IPL 2016: Mumbai Indians to seek replacement for injured Lasith Malinga

Mumbai: Mumbai Indians have decided to ask the BCCI for a replacement for their injured pace bowler Lasith Malinga after the Sri Lankan sling-arm action bowler was ruled out of ninth season of the IPL due to a persistent knee injury. "MI's star pacer, Lasith Malinga has been ruled out of IPL 2016 due to a knee injury," said MI on its twitter handle. "Malinga was expected to miss the first few matches of MI's IPL '16 campaign but the recovery period is longer than previously expected. MI will now look for a worthy replacement for Lasith Malinga this season," it said.[caption id="attachment_2203144" align="alignleft" width="380"] BCCI[/caption] Mumbai Indians' medical team found him unfit for at least another four months because of a recurring knee injury. Malinga is also expected to miss Sri Lanka's upcoming tour of England, as well as the Caribbean Premier League because of the injury to his left knee. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) medical staff will now assess Malinga's injury and decide whether he needs a surgery or not. "Malinga will present himself before the SLC panel of expert doctors on Wednesday (April 20) and depending on the outcome of the said medical examinations, be required to face a match fitness grading, after which SLC will take the next appropriate steps," the SLC said in a release. SLC had earlier issued a show-cause notice to Malinga after the pacer defied the Board's dictate by joining Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL without required medical clearance. SLC said that Malinga was not barred from either travelling to or watching IPL or even practicing or training anywhere in the world, but his playing would depend on him getting an NOC from it. "Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to respond to the concerns of the media with regards to Lasith Malinga's current status with the Mumbai Indians," said SLC on its official website. "Lasith Malinga has not informed Sri Lanka Cricket of his travel to India, nor his intention to play for the IPL. There is no bar on Mr. Malinga travelling to, watching, or participating in practice or training of Cricket anywhere in the world. "However, his ability to play is contingent on receiving a No Objection Certificate from SLC for which SLC appointed expert panel of Medical professionals must clear his injury status; he must be declared 'Match Fit' by physio, trainer, coach and selectors," the SLC said. "Therefore, Mr. Malinga will present himself before the SLC panel of expert doctors on Wednesday (20th) and depending on the outcome of the said medical examinations, be required to face a match fitness grading after which SLC will take the next appropriate steps. "We also wish to inform you that there will be explanation called from Mr. Malinga with regards to his statements to the media in the recent days, and suitable action will be taken forthwith," the Lankan Board said.