Injuries rule Hopes, Bracken out of IPL

Australian all-rounder James Hopes and seamer Nathan Bracken have been ruled out of this year's Indian Premier League because of knee injuries.

"It has been decided that a period of rest and rehabilitation over the next two to three weeks will be the best preparation for both players," Australian team doctor Trefor James said in a statement.

The news would have come as a blow for the Bangalore Royal Challengers, who were expecting Bracken to bolster their bowling attack, and for Hopes's team Kings XI Punjab.

Despite the injuries both players were named in Australia's line-up for their Twenty20 international against Pakistan in Dubai on Thursday.