IPL season 5
South African opening batsman and Test captain Graeme Smith will miss the fifth edition of the IPL which begins on April 4th.
Smith will undergo surgery on his left ankle, which has been troubling him with chronic pain over the last two months.
The decision comes after consultation with Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) ankle specialist, who detected an impingement syndrome of the ankle and recommended surgery.
South Africa Team Manager, Dr Mohammed Moosjee said, “Graeme went to see CSA’s ankle specialist in Cape Town this weekend and he confirmed that the best management of the chronic pain in his ankle is surgery.
“The recovery period after such a surgery usually takes 8-10 weeks, and he will subsequently not be able to represent Pune Warriors at the 2012 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India.”
The surgery will be performed next Tuesday, in order to allow for sufficient recovery and rehabilitation ahead of the Proteas’ tour of England in July.
Smith, who was picked up by Sahara Pune Warriors in last year’s auction, expressed his disappointment.
“I’m very disappointed to be missing out on the IPL this year,” Smith said.
“I was looking forward to my second season with Pune Warriors, especially after my knee set me back last season.
“I would like to wish them all of the best this year, I’m sure the new management and exciting new signings will be a positive boost for the side.
“My ankle has been troubling me for some time so it will be a relief to have it repaired, especially looking ahead to the crucial year of cricket ahead.”
