Melbourne: Cricket Australia on Wednesday said that fast bowler Mitchell Johnson will not immediately join the Kings XI Punjab in India for the Champions League Twenty20 due to a rib injury.
Cricket Australia (CA) physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: “Mitch had some rib pain during the recent ODI tour of Zimbabwe. Since returning to Australia, he has had some scans that have confirmed some irritation of the tip of the rib.
“As such, he has had a break from bowling since returning to Australia and having regular treatment to resolve the problem. He has not fully recovered as yet and will be reviewed over the next week.”
CA’s Executive General Manager Team Performance Pat Howard said: “Due to medical advice, Mitch has not been released to play in the CLT20 tournament at this time. A decision on his release to play for the Kings XI will depend on how he responds to treatment.”
Johnson had picked up 17 wickets in 14 matches in IPL 7 to help Kings XI Punjab finish runners-up.
Kings XI Punjab open their campaign at the Champions Trophy against Hobart Hurricanes on Thursday.
Kings XI Punjab also announced Nafex.com as the leading arm sponsor and Shrey as the back of the helmet sponsor for the ongoing Champions League Twenty20. While Nafex.com is a foreign exchange firm, Shrey manufactures helmets.
“We would like to welcome Nafex.com and Shrey to the Kings XI Punjab family,” Kings XI Punjab COO Fraser Castellino said.
The qualifying rounds meanwhile ended on a disappointing note for the Indian fans with defending champions Mumbai Indians — the only IPL team in the qualifying competition — being knocked out as Pakistani champions Lahore Lions made it to the main draw.
Mumbai lost a lopsided contest to Northern Knights who also qualified for the tournament proper staying unbeaten with three wins out of three. Mumbai needed a win to stand any chance of edging out the Lions but, after their defeat followed the Lions’ win, it became a clear passage for the Pakistani club with eight points.
The incentive for home fans, though, is that the India vs Pakistan element stays alive in the tournament after the qualification of the Lions, who will join Chennai Super Kings and the reigning IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders in Group A.
The Lions will open their campaign against Kolkata on September 21 and play Chennai on September 25.
