Mentally I'm over cricket: Malinga

Sri Lanka icon Lasith Malinga has signalled his intention to officially retire from international cricket.

Fresh from a wicketless display in the St Moritz Ice Cricket festival and transitioning into a bowling mentor role with the Mumbai Indians, the 34-year-old has little appetite to try and force his way back through Sri Lanka's domestic scene.

"Mentally, I am over with playing cricket," Malinga told Press Trust of India.

"I don't think I will play international cricket anymore. I am planning to announce my retirement soon.

"I have not spoken to Sri Lanka Cricket 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."

The Mumbai franchise did not retain the IPL's all-time leading wicket-taker on a playing contract, but has instead appointed him a 'bowling mentor' to work with the team alongside bowling coach Shane Bond, the former New Zealand international.

"Everyone gets that signal. Even the great Wasim Akram knew when his time was up," Malinga said. "I was not surprised at (Mumbai's) 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.

"I am 34 years old and not getting any younger. I feel this is the right time to make a career move. Mumbai Indians had the mentorship role in mind and I am happy to start a new innings.

"My job as a mentor will now give me an opportunity to guide the next crop of fast bowlers. I will pass on my knowledge to them and also it will be an opportunity to assess myself in the coaching arena."

Malinga has 154 wickets from 110 IPL matches with Mumbai, 20 more than the next best Amit Mishra. He was the tournament's leading wicket-taker in the 2011 season, and helped the Mumbai franchise win three IPL titles.

He played 30 Tests for Sri Lanka, taking 101 wickets at 33.15, and played 204 ODIs where he took 301 wickets at 28.92. In T20 internationals, he took 90 wickets in 68 matches, averaging just 19.77 with an economy rate of 7.36.