Lasith Malinga needs no surgery now: to be assessed by panel headed by rheumatologist
MUMBAI: Lasith Malinga has become headache for his employers. Despite being “warned” by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the 32-year-old pace-bowler had arrived in India (apparently to play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL) without obtaining the No Objection Certificate. The IPL team-doctors, however, have ruled him out for at least four months.
“Yes, we have also heard about his trip to India but again, he had not obtained our consent and the NOC, which he was asked to”, Mohan De Silva, the honorary secretary, speaking exclusively over his mobile from Colombo, said on Sunday morning.
“It was made clear to him that without being cleared by our panel of doctors, he can’t go and play the IPL”, the secretary added.
Lasith Malinga
Malinga has been trying to recover from a bone bruise in his left knee since last November. He was appointed captain in the Asia Cup, but played just the one match (as a member of the team, not led the side). He then decided to stand down as captain for the World T20, Came to India but returned without playing a match because of uncertainty over his fitness.
“We wonder how Malinga was in India when he had been asked to appear before the doctors in Sri Lanka on Wednesday…. He had not sought our permission either”, De Silva added.
Dr. Harindu Wijesinghe, attached with the Nawaloka Hospital in Colombo will head the three-member panel to assess Malinga’s fitness. The other two members will be Prof. Arjuna P de Silva (physician and anti-doping expert) and Dr. Thushantha Wijesinghe.
“Malinga is being treated by doctors since last 18 months and all his reports, scans, x-rays will be discussed irrespective whether Malinga turns up or not on Wednesday and our report will be submitted to the board. On the basis of this report, the board will then decide further course of action. At present, we don’t foresee surgery needed”, Dr. Harindu Wijesinghe, speaking exclusively over his mobile said.
Dr. Harindu is a Rheumatologist and sports medicine expert.
Malinga is reported to have returned to his country and is likely to remain present before the medical panel on 20th April.
