XtraTime Web Desk: Mumbai Indians ace Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga has pulled himself out of the upcoming 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) which starts in UAE from September 19. The franchise has named Australian pacer James Pattinson as a replacement for Malinga.
The veteran Sri Lankan cricketer has requested unavailability for the season for personal reasons and to be with family back home.
James Pattinson will join the MI Family currently based in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Mumbai Indians qwner Akash Ambani has welcomed James on board and extended all support to 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.
Mumbai Indians is founded on the values of ‘One Family’ and for us the members of our squad and their wellbeing will always hold utmost importance.”
We welcome James to our One Family.”