Lasith Malinga ruled out of IPL
Apr 17, 2016 at 5:31 PM
After joining the Mumbai Indians camp, Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga has been ruled out of the IPL 9 due to a knee injury. Mumbai Indians doctors said that he might not play cricket for four months. “Mr. Malinga will present himself before the SLC panel of expert doctors on Wednesday (April 20) and depending on the outcome of the said medical examinations, be required to face a match fitness grading, after which SLC will take the next appropriate steps,” a release from the board said.
Malinga had suffered the injury during West Indies tour of Sri Lanka and struggled to retain fitness. He has only played only 1 game in the past five months and missed the tour of New Zealand, India and also played 1 game in the Asia Cup against UAE. He stepped down from captaincy before the World T20 and played only 1 game against Afghanistan in the World T20. His absence will be a big blow for Sri Lanka chances in the limited overs. Sri Lanka are supposed to play One-day international series against Australia in Australia. Ragana Herath retired from limited overs format which will dent the confidence of a Sri Lankan team.
Malinga has been an integral part of Mumbai Indians team helping them to win two IPL titles. They have two backup options which are Tim Southee and Merchant De Lange. Southee has played two matches against Gujarat Lions and Kolkatta Knight Riders. It will be a big blow for Mumbai Indians team who needed Malinga to come and bolster their pace bowling attack.
Malinga also has been an important member of Sri Lankan team for the past few years and also led Sri Lanka to win the ICC World T20 in 2014 as a captain. He has also led Sri Lanka to four finals between 2007 and 2014.