Kolkata Knight Riders will miss the services of James Pattinson this IPL as the Australian pacer was ruled out due to a "non-cricket related medical condition in his lower abdominal region" for which he will be undergoing a surgery on Friday.
The 22-year-old fast bowler may also miss the Champions Trophy that precedes the Ashes.
"James Pattinson will be having surgery tomorrow for a non-cricket related medical condition in his lower abdominal region that has been troubling him during the latter part of the recently concluded VB Tour of India," Cricket Australia Chief Medical Officer Justin Paoloni said.
"James has undergone tests and consulted specialists since returning from India, and it was felt that surgery is absolutely necessary at this time," he added.
Pattinson's departure to India for his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders team was initially delayed until Friday as medical staff awaited the results of tests and the advice of specialists.
On receiving the medical reports, it was decided that Pattinson should undergo surgery immediately.
"The recovery times will be determined once the surgery is completed but James is expected to return to training in approximately four weeks.
"His preparation for The Ashes is not expected to be affected but his availability for the ICC Champions Trophy will be determined at a later stage," the statement said.
Pattinson is the second Australian cricketer to have missed this season's Indian Premier league after Pune Warriors' Michael Clarke.
Photograph: Morne de Klerk/Getty Images
