IPL franchises Mumbai Indians are not getting Lasith Malinga, an important weapon in the bowling attack. The experienced Sri Lankan fast bowler has withdrawn from the IPL for personal reasons.
Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani on Wednesday confirmed in the franchise’s website that Malinga is not available for this year’s IPL.
“Lasith is a legend and a pillar of power in Mumbai. We will miss his cricketing acumen this season, there is no reason to deny that. However, we fully understand that it is necessary to stay in Sri Lanka with his family at this time,” Akash said.
According to the cricket website ESPNcricinfo, Malinga’s father is very ill and may have to undergo surgery next week. For this reason, Malinga did not go to the UAE with Mumbai to stay with his family. It was initially thought that the pacer would play at the end of the session. But in the end, he removed himself.
Mumbai Indians have picked James Pattinson in place of the Sri Lankan bowling star. The Australian fast bowler has yet to play in a match in the IPL.
