IPL 8: Azhar Mahmood, Johan Botha to replace injured Neesham, Lynn in KKR

Azhar Mahmood and Johan Botha

New Delhi: Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will not have the services of New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham and Australian cricketer Chris Lynn for this IPL season.


Azhar Mahmood and Johan Botha

Neesham, who was bought at this year's auction, and Lynn retained from last year have both been ruled out based on the injury reports received from their respective boards, said a BCCI release.

IPL regulations permit replacement if a player is unavailable for the entire season.

KKR have opted to replace the injured players with the experienced duo of Azhar Mahmood, former Pakistan Test Cricketer who is currently based in England playing for Surrey and Johan Botha, former Proteas captain and currently playing for Adelaide Strikers at the Big Bash.

IPL is happy to welcome these experienced campaigners as KKR take on Mumbai Indians in the opening encounter on April 8.