By IANS
Chandigarh : Brian Lara has been ruled out of the Indian Cricket League’s (ICL) 20s Challenge with an arm fracture, it was officially announced here Monday. New Zealander Nathan Astle will now lead the Mumbai Champs side in the second Twenty20 tournament that started here Sunday.
“Unfortunately, Brian is injured and will not be able to take guard. So, Nathan Astle has already taken charge of the side. Brian had a word with the boys and the mood in the camp is positive,” Mumbai Champs coach Sandeep Patil said.
Mumbai Champs physiotherapist Danny Redrup explained how Lara sustained the injury over six weeks ago while playing in Trinidad and Tobago.
“He sustained a facture in his left forearm that in some cases requires surgery. He was placed in a cast for five and a half weeks. An X-ray done in Delhi last week showed slow but well-aligned healing,” he said.
“He is still in discomfort and cannot hold the bat. It is predicted that another two to four weeks will be required for appropriate healing to facilitate some batting practice. Hence Brian won’t be able to play in this tournament.”
During the previous edition of the ICL T20 Championship in last October-November, the Lara-led Mumbai Champs finished at the bottom of the six-team competition.