Concerns for Mumbai's pace attack as Adam Milne pulls out of the IPL

New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne is understood to have pulled out of the IPL. ESPNcricinfo understands Milne, who was signed by Mumbai Indians at the IPL auction for INR 75 lakhs (USD 104,000 approx on the day of auction), has a swollen heel.

Milne's pullout means Mumbai have lost a second overseas fast bowler in quick succession. Lasith Malinga has opted to skip the first six matches of the IPL to fulfill the condition set by Sri Lanka Cricket to play in the domestic 50-overs competition in order to qualify for World Cup selection.

Although there has been no statement from the franchise on Milne's injury, Mumbai are believed to be keen on roping in the young West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph as a replacement. Also, as per IPL rules, the amount a franchise can pay the replacement player cannot exceed that paid to the original player. So any player that replaces Milne cannot be paid over INR 75 lakhs.

Mumbai, who play their opening match at home on Sunday, against Delhi Capitals, currently have two overseas fast bowlers: New Zealand T20 freelancer Mitchell McClenaghan and Ben Cutting from Australia.