Former India paceman Irfan Pathan became the first casualty in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) T20 Cricket Tournament when he pulled a hamstring injury in Hambantota on Thursday.
The 36-year-old left-arm seamer walked out of the field after bowling just 1.5 overs for the Kandy Tuskers in their curtain raiser match against the Colombo Kings at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium.
“Pathan has a hamstring strain and he will be monitored during the next few days and we will make a call thereafter,” a top official of the Kandy Tuskers Franchise told the Daily News yesterday
“The medical panel is having a close look at it and trying to get him fit as soon as possible. We have to wait at least 48 hours to know how bad his hamstring injury is.”
Pathan’s injury at a crucial stage of the innings certainly was a huge blow for the Tuskers as they ended-up in the losing side in a Super Over despite scoring 219 for three.
“His absence midway in the innings was a crucial factor even though in T20 cricket it is very hard to say.”
“He has been a vital link in our team set-up and has always led from the front with his load of experience as a professional T20 cricketer.”
Pathan of course, was not among the squad of players during the official Player Draft but joined the franchise later as one of their overseas stars.
“Even during our training he was guiding the players, making decisions, planning and was a kind of leader who led with an example both on and off the field.”
“We will definitely miss him during the next game but it is another opportunity for someone to come in and get into the spotlight,” he added.
The Kandy Tuskers are schedule to meet Dambulla Viiking in their second match of the tournament today, commencing at 3.30 p.m.
