I got many fans in India and all over the world due to IPL: Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga, who recently announced retirement from international cricket has said that he has got a lot of fan followers in India and across the world due to being part of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Slinga Malinga as he was popularly known, represented Mumbai Indians in the T20 tournament and helped the franchise in winning four titles.

The former Mumbai Indians pacer also ended his IPL stint on a bright note, when he got Shardul Thakur plumb of the last ball to cap off some memorable scenes. MALINGA, MALINGA the crowds at the Wankhade stadium would rise on their feet whenever he used to come to bowl. Although he finished with more than 400 wickets for Sri Lanka, his IPL record and his connection with the Mumbai franchise gave him a lot of fans and immeasurable memories.

“When I played with Mumbai Indians, I got many fans in India and all over the world. I feel all the young cricketers have a dream- to play franchise cricket, especially IPL, and the national team. That is why I want to share my experience with Mumbai Indians, who have an excellent support staff. That is why I want to explain how I entered the IPL team,” the official website of Mumbai Indians quoted Malinga as saying.

Lasith Malinga further opined how he got an opportunity to play in the IPL for Mumbai Indians during the 2008 auctions. He also recalled an incident when Mumbai Indians had picked him and the manager spoke with him about not worrying about anything apart from doing well for the franchise.

Lasith Malinga fondly recalls the pleasant auction experience in 2008 IPL

“In 2008, I got the opportunity to put down my name for the auction. After that, I got a call from my manager who told me that I’d got a chance to play with Mumbai Indians that year. He asked me not to worry, and that two other Sri Lankan cricketers were there. He also mentioned that I got good owners- Mr. Mukesh Ambani and Mrs. Nita Ambani,” he added.

The resumption of the 14^th edition of the IPL will begin September 19 (today) when Mumbai Indians face off against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Dubai.