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Mumbai Indians fast bowler Lasith Malinga has opted out of the Indian Premier League due to personal reasons and will be replaced by Australian speedster James Pattinson.
"Lasith Malinga has requested unavailability for the season for personal reasons and to be with family back home in Sri Lanka," Mumbai Indians said on their official website on Wednesday.
"James Pattinson will join the MI Family currently based in Abu Dhabi this weekend."
Malinga, who has been with Mumbai Indians since the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008, is the IPL's highest wicket-taker with 170 wickets in 122 games at an average of 19 with six four-wicket hauls.
This was likely his final season as a player with Mumbai Indians. He had served as the bowling mentor in 2018 after he was not picked up in the IPL Players' Auction.
Pattinson, who previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders, will join the Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi.