Blow for MI as Lasith Malinga aloofs from IPL 2020 citing personal reason

Mumbai:Mumbai Indians have signed Australian speedster James Pattinson as a replacement for Lasith Malinga for the upcoming IPL 2020 season beginning from September 19 to November 10 in the UAE, the franchise revealed on Wednesday. 

The MI said, Malinga has requested unavailability for the season for personal reasons and to be with family back home in Sri Lanka. 

"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. 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, MI Owner Akash Ambani said in a statement. 

Malinga has 170 wickets from 122 matches averaging 19.80 in the IPL and is also leading wicket-taker in the cash-rich league. While Pattinson is new to IPL and is is set to join the rest of the team at Abu Dhabi over the weekend.   The schedule for the tournament is yet to be announced.(UNI)