de Villiers to miss Champions League Twenty20

Cricket South Africa has withdrawn AB de Villiers from all competitive cricket for the next four to six weeks after he complained of lower back pain. The decision, taken on the basis of advice received from CSA's medical committee, means he will not play for his IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils in the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 in India in October. Sources indicated Manoj Tiwary would be the likely replacement for the tournament beginning on October 8.

"AB de Villiers developed left lumbar pain four weeks ago, during preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy tournament," Shuaib Manjra, chairman of CSA's medical committee, said. "Despite extensive physiotherapy combined with anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication, his symptoms persisted and an MRI scan was done. He has severe left lumbar spasm and without medication was unable to move freely during the ICC Champions Trophy tournament.

"We have thus decided to withdraw AB from all cricketing activities for the next four to six weeks in order to allow for proper management of his condition and prevent further injury."

de Villiers is likely to return to active participation at the start of the MTN Domestic Championship on October 28. "I am obviously disappointed to miss the Champions League," he said "and I wish the Daredevils all the best for the tournament."

Amrit Mathur, the chief operating officer of Delhi Daredevils, confirmed the developments. "We received a communique from the South African cricket board earlier today along with de Villiers' medical report, stating his injury and the inability to take part in the Champions League Twenty20," he said.

The Delhi Daredevils management has passed on the medical reports to the Champions League Twenty20 organisers seeking a replacement. Delhi have been grouped with Victoria and Sri Lanka's champions Wayamba in the first round of the Champions League.