Mumbai Indians have signed Australian bowler James Pattinson as a replacement for Lasith Malinga for the upcoming season of Indian Premier League (IPL 2020).
Lasith Malinga has requested unavailability for the season for personal reasons and to be with family back home in Sri Lanka. James Pattinson will join the Mumbai Indians currently based in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani welcomed James on board and extended all support to Lasith and said, “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,” he added.
“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,” he said.
Mumbai Indians bowling revolt around Lasith Malinga. Lasith Malinga was not part of the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2008, IPL 2016 and IPL 2018, and in all these seasons Mumbai Indians finished 5th.
