Bangladesh’s limited-overs skipper Mashrafe Mortaza, on Tuesday (April 4), announced his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals. The right-arm fast-bowler will hang his boots after the conclusion of the ongoing two-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

“This T20 series is going to be the last of my career,” Mortaza said at the toss during the first T20I. “I would like to thank the BCB, my family, friends, teammates, coaching staff and all the fans who have been supporting and praying for me for the last 15-16 years.”

The veteran bowler, who made his T20I debut in 2006 against Zimbabwe, has played 52 T20Is so far, taking 39 wickets at an average of over 37. The 33-year old has led Bangladesh in 26 matches and won nine of them. Reports are suggesting that talks of removing Mortaza as the skipper of the team had been doing the round ever since Bangladesh were blanked 3-0 by New Zealand in January.

Meanwhile, Mortaza will continue to lead the side in the One-Day Internationals and his next assignment is a tri-series in Ireland, involving New Zealand as the third team. Bangladesh will then travel to England to play the Champions Trophy in June.