ICC Cricket World Cup: Max Sorensen replaces Tim Murtagh in Ireland squad

Dubai, Jan 18 (IANS) All-rounder Max Sorensen will replace Tim Murtagh in Ireland's World Cup squad after the latter suffered an injury.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday confirmed that the Event Technical Committee of the World Cup has approved Sorensen as a replacement player for Murtagh for the quadrennial extravaganza. Murtagh is suffering from a stress fracture in his right foot and therefore has been ruled out of the tournament.

Sorensen, 29, has played eight One-Day Internationals (ODI) for Ireland in which he has scored 97 runs and took 12 wickets. Sorensen's last appearance in Ireland colours was against Scotland in Dublin in September 2014.

Any injury or illness based replacement requires a written submission to the Event Technical Committee along with a diagnosis from a medical practitioner as to the extent of the injury or illness. Once replaced, a player may not return to the squad save as an approved subsequent replacement for another injured or ill player.

The committee comprises Geoff Allardice (ICC General Manager - Cricket, Chairman), Campbell Jamieson (ICC General Manager - Commercial), John Harnden (Chief Executive, CWC 2015 LOC), Gavin Larsen (Cricket Operations Manager, New Zealand), Russel Arnold and Sanjay Manjrekar (independent nominees).

Ireland are in Pool B of the World Cup along with defending champions India, former winners Pakistan and West Indies, African rivals South Africa and Zimbabwe, and qualifier United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Ireland will play their opening match against the West Indies at Saxton Oval in Nelson on February 16.