New Delhi [India], Feb 8: “Mentally I am over with playing cricket. I don't think I will play anymore international cricket. I am planning to announce my retirement soon," that was the word of Sri Lanka legendary pace bowler Malinga. Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga said on Thursday that he was mentally done with cricket and was thinking about retirement soon as his Indian Premier League (IPL) career comes to an end. Incidentally, Malinga on Wednesday was appointed the bowling mentor for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL. The Sri Lankan has been a part of the MI winning combination in the last decade. He has represented MI in 110 of the 157 games the franchise has played so far. "Mentally I am over with playing cricket. I don't think I will play anymore international cricket. I am planning to announce my retirement soon," Malinga  

"I have not spoken to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) but once I go back I will have to again go through the domestic grind, see how my body responds. But now as my IPL career is also over and I am starting a new chapter with Mumbai Indians, I might not play again," he added. Malinga knows it would be tough not to play in front of a capacity Wankhede Stadium crowd wearing the Mumbai Indians blue jersey but admitted that in his heart he knew that his time was up.

"I was not surprised at their decision not to have retained me. I had 10 very good years with Mumbai Indians and I achieved a lot. But this year, the owners spoke to me and told me about their vision going forward. They wanted to create a good team for the next three years. I also understand that my time in competitive cricket is over now." The 34-year-old speedster said he is looking forward to the new chapter of his life as a mentor.