New Delhi: Defending champions Sri Lanka received a brutal blow to their ICC World Twenty20 title defence with the ruling out of Lasith Malinga due to injury. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed the development on Friday.
The 32-year-old fast bowler was in India earlier this week in the hope of of playing some part in the tournament. However, Malinga has aggravated the bone bruise in his left knee that has plagued him since November.
He has returned to Sri Lanka, and the selectors are expected to name a replacement over the next 72 hours, following practice games in Colombo today itself..
The T20 pool players are to figure in a practice match at the Premadasa Stadium this evening for the selectors to pick a suitable replacement, according to SLC.
He captained Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh but played only in the opening game.
