New Zealand pacer Adam Milne will certainly miss his opening game against Delhi Capitals of the 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) due to his ankle injury. The news was confirmed by the former Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene. However, Mumbai Indians will miss their another pacer Lasith Malinga as well due to his domestic league. He is expected to join after the end of the league.

“We were waiting for his (Milne’s) fitness report. He had an injury four weeks back while playing a game, so we needed to wait for his recovery and his progress,” told Jayawardene.

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“We had a report two days back saying that he is not 100 per cent (fit) and he might not be able to be part of the extended IPL, so we have realised that we need a replacement. We are considering that. But we have got enough resources (for now),”

said the former Sri Lanka captain.

However, the domestic T20 tournament (April 4-11) has been made mandatory for all the Sri Lanka players to be eligible for selection for the upcoming ICC World Cup.

“The report (in the media) was last night, so we need to gather (our) thoughts and see. If you read the entire thing, the tournament (in Sri Lanka) is for four or five days in April. When we got into the auction, Sri Lanka cricket gave us his availability schedule and that tournament wasn’t a part of that,” he added.

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“So there is a conversation to be made and once we get through that conversation we will let you know what exactly is happening. But it is way too early for us to comment on that saying he is going to available or whatever,” he further said.