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Sri Lankan speedstar Lasith Malinga has retired from franchise cricket, announced on Wednesday by his IPL team Mumbai Indians (January 20). Earlier this month, the former cricketer told the management of the Mumbai Indians of his decision, making himself unavailable for the coming season and was not retained in the squad.

Since the second season of the IPL, Malinga has been a part of the Mumbai Indians, skipping just two editions - 2018 and 2020. Until returning to playing duties and delivering a title win for Mumbai - his fourth with the franchise - he worked as the side's bowling coach in 2018 in what turned out to be his last contribution in the team. Owing to personal reasons, he missed the 2020 season but remains the highest wicket-taker in the tournament's history with 170 wickets in 122 matches.

The Sri Lankan speedster has also been a part of Jamaica Tallawahs, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Khulna Tigers, Rangpur Riders and Melbourne Stars among other T20 franchises around the world. With 390 wickets in 295 matches, he is only behind Dwayne Bravo in the list of leading T20 wicket-takers. His last T20 appearance was in March 2020 during the pandemic; he led Sri Lanka against West Indies.

"After discussing with family, I think now is the right time to retire from all franchise cricket. The pandemic situation and the restrictions on travel will make it difficult for me given my personal circumstances to participate fully in franchise cricket for the next year and therefore it is best to make this decision now,” said Malinga.

On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have released Steve Smith for the upcoming IPL 2021 auction. The weak influence of Smith as a captain and batsman figured heavily in the franchise's 2020 season overview. Smith played all the 14 matches, scoring 311 runs at a strike rate of 131, including three half-centuries.