IPL 2020
Malinga has cited personal reasons for his unavailability © AFP
The Mumbai Indians have hired Australian pacemaker James Pattinson as Lasith Malinga’s replacement for the upcoming 2020 IPL season in the United Arab Emirates. Malinga was unavailable for personal reasons and to “be with the family in Sri Lanka,” the franchise announced on Wednesday (September 2).
“James is the right fit for us and adds to our available pacing attacking options, especially for the conditions we will be playing in this season,” said MI owner Akash Ambani. “Lasith is a legend and a pillar of MI’s strength. There is no denying the fact that we will miss Lasith’s acumen for cricket this season. However, we fully understand Lasith’s need to be in Sri Lanka with his family. during this time”.
Malinga, the IPL leader in land grabbers, made his IPL debut in 2009. Last year, defending 9 runs for his fourth title, he helped MI win the title, conceding just 7 to give them a one-game win. race against Chennai Super Kings for the last ball.
In 122 games, he has returned 170 wickets, at an average of 19.80 and an economy rate of 7.14, while Pattinson has never played an IPL game yet. Pattinson will join the rest of the team in Abu Dhabi over the weekend.
The thirteenth edition of the tournament will begin on September 19, although the tournament schedule has not yet been announced.
© Cricbuzz
