Maharoof returns home

Chris Dhambarage

Sri Lanka suffered a major setback when all rounder Farveez Maharoof was ruled out of the two-Test series in Pakistan with a groin injury.

Maharoof, who was overlooked for the first Test currently in progress in Karachi, returned home on Sunday.

Maharoof sustained the injury during a practice session before the first Test at Karachi’s National Stadium. “Maharoof is suffering from a groin injury and the doctors have advised him to rest,” a team official told reporters. A replacement is likely to be sent to Pakistan, although the selectors are yet to name one.

Nuwan Kulasekera the only fast bowler who is among the stand byes named for this tour is tipped to replace Maharoof. Maharoof, 24, has represented Sri Lanka in 20 Tests and 91 One Day Internationals since his debut in April 2004. Maharoof is also a contracted player to the Delhi Daredevils in the high profile Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament.