Malinga ruled out of Sri Lanka's World T20 campaign
A knee injury has resulted in Sri Lanka selectors sending Lasith Malinga home from the World Twenty20 in India.
Lasith Malinga will play no part in the remainder of Sri Lanka's World Twenty20 campaign having failed to overcome a knee injury.
Malinga picked up what he described as a "bone bruise" following Sri Lanka's 14-run victory over United Arab Emirates in their Asia Cup opener, playing no further part in the competition.
The fast bowler joined up with the squad in India in the hope of recovering in time to take part in the World T20.
Having missed the six-wicket success over Afghanistan in their Super 10 opener, Malinga – who handed the T20 captaincy over to Angelo Mathews ahead of the competition – has returned to Sri Lanka to rest.
"Lasith Malinga, who joined the Sri Lanka team in India this past week, will be returning to Sri Lanka today," a statement from Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed.
"Sri Lanka team management on tour have observed that Malinga, who's niggling injury has been flaring up, would be better off resting it, and have recommended he return to Colombo."
Selectors are expected to pick a replacement following a practice match involving the remaining players from the World T20 pool in Colombo on Friday.