June 23, 2008	Monday	Jamadi-us-Sani 18, 1429

COLOMBO, June 22: Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof has been ruled out of the Asia Cup due to an abdominal strain.

Thilan Thushara, a left-arm medium-fast bowler, will substitute Maharoof.

Thushara 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.

Maharoof, 23, suffered the injury while bowling in a practice match at the SSC grounds on Thursday.

Although the first scan failed to identify the injury, a second scan taken on Friday showed that Maharoof had strained his left abdominal muscles.

Sri Lanka team’s physio Ranjith Nanayakkarawasam said Maharoof would be out of action for at least six weeks. “He requires physiotherapy treatment and rest,” he said.

Maharoof has had an notable one-day career, claiming 104 wickets in 79 games at an average of 24, but the last match he played for Sri Lanka was during the tri-nation 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 at the IPL.—Agencies