Lasith Malinga pulls out of IPL 2020, Mumbai Indians sign James Pattinson as replacement

Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga has pulled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to ‘personal reasons’, Mumbai Indians confirmed on Wednesday. The 4-time champions have signed Australia’s James Pattinson as a replacement for the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.

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

Lasith Malinga has been an integral member of Mumbai Indians over the years, picking up 170 wickets in 122 matches at a staggering average of 19.80. Malinga bowled the title-winning last over in a thrilling chase against Chennai Super Kings in last year’s final.

Mumbai Indians owner Aakash Ambani said the franchise completely respects Lasith Malinga’s decision to skip IPL 2020, which is scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.

“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,” Ambani said.

“Mumbai Indians is founded on the values of ‘One Family’ and for us the members of our squad and their wellbeing will always hold utmost importance.”

James Pattinson will be joining the Mumbai Indians camp in Abu Dhabi later this week. The 30-year -old fast bowler was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders franchsie in his earlier stint in the IPL in 2011 and 2012.

Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2020

Rohit Sharma, Sherfane Rutherford, Suryakumar Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Chris Lynn , Saurabh Tiwary, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, James Pattinson, Mitchell McClenaghan, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Mohsin Khan, Prince Balwant Rai Singh, Digvijay Deshmukh, Hardik Pandya, Jayant Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Anukul Roy, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ishan Kishan, Quinton de Kock, Aditya Tare.