Morne Morkel ruled out of CLT20, KKR name Bisla as replacement

Morne Morkel has been ruled out of Champions League T20 due to shoulder injury

In a blow to reigning IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), South African pacer Morne Morkel has been ruled out of the Champions League T20 due to a shoulder injury.

KKR have named wicket-keeper batsman Manvinder Bisla as Morkel’s replacement.

Unfortunately, @mornemorkel65 is out of #CLT20 due to an injury. Replacing him is @Bisla36! #KorboLorboJeetbo

— Kol Knight Riders (@KKRiders) September 11, 2014

KKR are already without Chris Lynn (shoulder injury) and Shakib al Hasan (no NOC by BCB). The remaining overseas players for KKR are: Sunil Narine, Jacques Kallis, Ryan ten Doeschate, Andre Russell and Pat Cummins.

Morkel had aggravated a rotator cuff tear in his shoulder due to heavy workload which affected his participation in the recently concluded tri-series in Zimbabwe. He missed an ODI against Zimbabwe and was even doubtful for the final against Australia, before being cleared at the last minute.

Media reports indicate that Cricket South Africa (CSA) told BCCI about Morkel’s situation and the franchise was made aware of the situation earlier this week.

“He [Morkel] has had an ongoing problem. CSA informed BCCI that the injury was aggravated and was causing challenges with his ability throw,” KKR CEO Venky Mysore told ESPNCricinfo. “So he needed to be in the rehab for some time.”

Morkel was bought by KKR in 2014 IPL Auctions for Rs. 2.8 crore. He was the most successful pacer for the franchise, picking 12 wickets in equal number of matches at an average of 30.58 and economy of 7.64.