Sri Lanka’s veteran fast bowler Lasith Malinga and seam-bowling all-rounder Isuru Udana have been released by their respective IPL franchises, the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
In the final date of the IPL player retention, the defending champions Mumbai Indians have decided to release veteran seamer Lasith Malinga who is the leading wicket-taker of IPL history.
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Lasith Malinga debuted for Mumbai Indians way back in 2009 and since been a vital part of the Mumbai Indians. Malinga known as “yorker king” became a force to reckon during his time with Mumbai Indians and managed to win them many matches and IPL titles.
Malinga was the purple-cap winner in the 2011 IPL season and featured in 10 seasons out of 13 representing Mumbai Indians. Malinga has played 122 IPL matches so far and picked up 170 wickets for his franchise Mumbai Indians.
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Malinga was ready to play in the last edition of IPL which held in the United Arab Emirates but pulled out in the last minute citing personal reasons. However, his services were not missed by the franchise that much as Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah and James Pattinson managed to fill his boots and lifted the trophy for the fifth time.
In addition to Malinga, seam-bowling all-rounder Isuru Udana who was the only Sri Lankan player represented in IPL 2020, has been released by his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Isuru Udana was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 50 Lakhs during IPL 2020 auction and played 10 matches for them picking up 8 wickets at 35.25 with an economy rate of 9.72.
