Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

Four time champions Mumbai Indians have signed Australian pacer James Pattinson as a replacement to star bowler Lasith Malinga, who pulled out of the lucrative tourney due to personal reasons. 

Lasith Malinga was originally due to miss only part of the tournament to be with his father, who is currently ill. Now, he will miss the entire tournament, and the cricketing community’s thoughts are with Malinga and his family during this time.

Aussie pacer James Pattinson will join the camp of the most successful IPL team in Abu Dhabi over the weekend  and then be a part of the biosecure bubble after serving a quarantine period of 7 days in which he will be tested for Covid-19. 

“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,” said team owner Aakash Ambani on the team’s website. 

Lasith Malinga’s exit may come as a blow to the Mumbai Indians as he is the leading wicket taker in the history of the IPL. In 122 matches so far, the Sri Lanka pacer has picked 170 wickets. Ironically his replacement, hasn’t played a single IPL game till date and hasn’t even been a part of an IPL team. 

The IPL 2020 is all set to take place in UAE and all the 8 franchises have arrived in the country and begin their practice. However, the BCCI is yet to release the schedule of the cash rich league.