AFTER SURESH RAINA, MALINGA TO MISS IPL 2020 - REPLACEMENT ANNOUNCED BY MUMBAI INDIANS

Just days ahead of IPL 2020, Lasith Malinga has withdrawn from the much awaited season. Fans who were getting over Suresh Raina's exit from IPL are shocked with Malinga's sudden departure.  

As per Indian Express report, Mumbai Indians announced that Malinga has made himself unavailable for personal reasons and to "be with family back home in Sri Lanka". The top IPL team has also signed Australian pacer James Pattinson as a replacement for Malinga. 

"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.  

Pattinson will be joining Mumbai Indians, who are currently based in Abu Dhabi this weekend.   

Malinga made his IPL debut in 2009 and last year he helped MI win the title. The 13th edition of the tournament will begin on September 19, while the schedule for the tournament is yet to be announced.