Maharoof ruled out of Asia Cup

Maharoof, who missed Sri Lanka's recent tour to the West Indies, also due to a muscle strain, suffered the injury while bowling in a practice match.

All-rounder Farveez Maharoof has been ruled out of the Asia Cup tournament in Pakistan due to an abdominal strain he sustained during training.

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Young left-arm medium pacer Thilan Thushara will replace him.

Maharoof, who missed Sri Lanka's recent tour to the West Indies, also due to a muscle strain, suffered the injury while bowling in a practice match here.

An initial scan failed to reveal the injury, but a second scan showed that he had strained the muscles on the left side of his abdomen.

"Maharoof requires rest. He will be out of action for six weeks," said team physio Ranjith Nanayakkarawasam.

Maharoof has had an impressive ODI career, taking 104 wickets in 79 matches at an average of 24.

Thushara made his international debut in West Indies early this year. He played all the three Tests, taking eight wickets, and returned figures of 1 for 12 from 5.2 overs in his only ODI.