Mohammed Shami out of IPL, to have ankle surgery

New Delhi, February 22

Senior pacer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of next month’s Indian Premier League (IPL) owing to a left ankle injury, for which he will undergo a surgery in the UK.

The 33-year-old, who is not part of the ongoing Test series against England, last played for India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November.

“Shami was in London in last week of January to take special ankle injections and he was told that after three weeks, he can start light running and take it from thereon. But the injection hasn’t worked and now the only option left is surgery. He will shortly leave for surgery. IPL seems out of question,” a senior BCCI source said.

It is highly unlikely that the pacer would be able to make a comeback before India’s Test matches at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand (October-November). His target could be the away marquee series against Australia. — PTI

Holders CSK to play RCB in opener

New Delhi: Defending champions Chennai Super Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL season-opener in Chennai on March 22, the BCCI announced today while unveiling the schedule for the first 17 days of the popular T20 league. The roster for the remaining matches will be announced once the dates for the upcoming general elections are announced early next month. During the period from March 22 to April 7, a total of 21 matches will be played across 10 cities, with each team playing a minimum of three matches and a maximum of five.