NEWS
Lasith Malinga, an extremely vital players for Mumbai Indians and one of the most successful cricketers in the history of Indian Premier League, has decided not to participate in IPL 2020, citing the reason as personal.
Only last week, Chennai Super Kings vice captain Suresh Raina announced his forfeit from the 13th edition of IPL, to be hosted in UAE from 19th September. Now Lasith Malinga, the player with the highest no of IPL wickets for Mumbai Indians, decides to pull out from the cash rich league, and wants to return home.
Back in mid august, it was confirmed that Malinga was set to miss only the first few weeks of IPL 2020, as his father had fallen ill. The Sri Lankan pacer had objected against travelling to UAE with the Mumbai Indians contingent, as his father was suspected of an immediate surgery.
Now, the 37 year old decides not to take part in the entire 2020 IPL tournament, which is scheduled to run until 10th November as of now. Find out about the waging option for IPL and other tournaments
“Lasith is a legend and a pillar of MI’s strength,” Akash Ambani, the franchise owner said in an official stament on MI website on Wednesday.
“There is no denying the fact that we will miss Lasith’s cricketing acumen this season. However, we fully understand Lasith’s need to be in Sri Lanka with his family during this time.”
Malinga joined Mumbai Indians in 2008, and has been a vital member for the four time champions in every edition of IPL. He is the leading wicket taker of the team with 179 picks across all seasons.
Australian fast bowler James Pattinson, who is yet to make his IPL debut, has been announced to be the veteran Sri Lankan’s substitute for the 13th IPL, as the franchise completed the signing of the 30 year old.
“James is the right fit for us and adds to our pace attack options available at hand especially for the conditions we will play in this season,” MI owner Akash Ambani was quoted on the official website.
“We welcome James to our One Family.”
Recent Post
