Fire-works and decorations await for Lasith Malinga in his last match

Mumbai: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will lighten the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday on the occasion of Lasith Malinga's retirement from the ODIs. This was revealed by the SLC official, Chryshantha Kapuwatte.

Speaking exclusively over telephone from Colombo, he said, “the Stadium will be decorated with cut-outs, banners and posters etc. revolving Malinga. We have also arranged some fireworks display after the match."

"We will also have a ceremony in front of all his family members and have given him special tickets to invite his family members, friends and fans. We have also made a special and valuable gold coin, which will be presented to him in recognition of his 16-year career at the SLC", he further added.

Apparently, no event management company is hired for Malinga's last match. "Our in-house marketing division is capable of handling all these activities", the official further added.

Lasith Malinga's place in the sixteen will be taken by another right-arm fast bowler Dasun Shanaka for the remaining two ODIs on July 28 and July 31.

It is needless to say that home team and the visiting Bangladeshi team would become emotional on this day. However, Malinga's decision to retire in the middle of a short ODI series has also surprised many of his fans.

Match officials

England's Chris Broad is a match-referee for the three ODIs'. Ravindra Kottahachchi, Asanga Jayasuriya, Raveendra Wimalasiri, Lyndon Hannibal, Marais Erasmus will officiate on rotation basis as umpires.