Injury sidelines Maharoof again

	Farveez Maharoof hasn't played for Sri Lanka since the CB Series in Australia earlier this year © Getty Images

Farveez Maharoof, the Sri Lankan allrounder, has been ruled out of the Asia Cup tournament in Pakistan due to an abdominal strain. He will be replaced by Thilan Thushara, the left-arm medium-fast bowler.

Maharoof, 23, suffered the injury while bowling in a practice match at the SSC grounds on Thursday, and although the first scan failed to reveal the injury, a second scan taken on Friday showed that he had strained his left abdominal muscles.

Ranjith Nanayakkarawasam, the Sri Lanka team physio, said that Maharoof would be out of action for at least six weeks. "He requires physiotherapy treatment and rest."

Maharoof has had an impressive ODI career, taking 104 wickets in 79 matches at an average of 24, but the last match he played for Sri Lanka was during the CB Series in Australia four months ago. He was forced to miss the tour of the West Indies due to a side strain, though he recovered full fitness to play for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL tournament in India.

Thushara, his replacement, made his international debut on the tour to the West Indies earlier this year. He played all three Tests, taking eight wickets, and returned figures of 1 for 12 from 5.2 overs in his only ODI, a washed out game in St Lucia.