Updated: September 2, 2020 6:52:53 pm
The Mumbai Indians hired Australian pacemaker James Pattinson as a replacement for Lasith Malinga. (PTI)
Lasith Malinga has retired from the 2020 Indian Premier League season. The Sri Lankan fast bowler has requested to be unavailable for the season for personal reasons and to be with his family in Sri Lanka.
Mumbai Indians (MI) signed Australian sprinter James Pattinson as Malinga’s replacement for season 13 of the tournament.
Mumbai Indians sign James Pattinson as replacement for Lasith Malinga @IExpressSports
– Devendra Pandey (@pdevendra) September 2, 2020
Pattinson will join the MI family currently based in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
“James is a perfect fit for us and adds to our rhythm the attacking options available, especially for the conditions in which we will play this season in the UAE,” the club said in a statement.
“Lasith is a legend and a pillar of MI’s strength. There’s 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.
Mumbai Indians is built on the values of ‘One Family’ and for us, our team members and their well-being will always be of the utmost importance. We welcome James to our One Family, “he added.
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