Lasith Malinga withdraws from IPL, Mumbai Indians rope in James Pattinson

Sri Lankan pacer
Lasith Malinga has pulled out from the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament
citing personal reasons.

Also Read:‘I treat Suresh Raina like son but don’t own him’: CSK owner N Srinivasan

“Lasith
Malinga has requested unavailability for the season for personal reasons and to
be with family back home in Sri Lanka,” Mumbai Indians said on their website.

The four-time
IPL champions have signed Australian paceman James Pattinson as a replacement for
Malinga. He will join the MI squad, currently based in Abu Dhabi, by this
weekend.

Also Read: ‘He is like a father figure to me’, says Suresh Raina about CSK owner N Srinivasan

“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,” the franchise’s
owner Akash Ambani was quoted as saying on the website.

“Lasith is
a legend and a pillar of MI’s strength. 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,” he added.

Also Read: Suresh Raina on IPL pullout: CSK is my family too, you might see me in the camp again

Pattinson
is yet to make his debut in the IPL, despite being a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders set up in
the past. However, he has been in good form in the T20s off late.

Playing for
Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, Pattinson picked up nine wickets in six games
during the 19-20 season, including an impressive 5 for 33 against the Adelaide
Strikers.  

Also Read:COVID-19: Health app, contact tracing badges to monitor players during IPL 2020

Mumbai
Indians are slated to begin their title defence campaign against the Chennai Super Kings.