Mumbai Indians have received a major blow with Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood opting to stay out of the cash rich T20 league, which witnesses top cricketers from all around the world compete.
The Australian wants to focus on international cricket with a long season ahead, which includes the prestigious Ashes series against England.
Just few days after the IPL final, Australia will start their tour of the West Indies as well.
It is the lengthy spell of the IPL along with the hectic schedule, requiring players to play at least two games per week, which has led to his withdrawl.
Considering the ICC World Cup having concluded just a few days ago, the bowler wants to take proper rest and be fresh for Australia when the West Indies tour and then the Ashes series in England begins.
"Josh's workload has changed significantly since he first began attending the IPL," CA general manager of team performance Pat Howard said.
"The IPL is the players leave period and in Josh's case it was deemed that not playing was the best use of that time in the lead up to a busy winter. This was agreed to with the IPL following discussions at the end of the Test Series."
Hazlewood could have been a big player for the Mumbai Indians with his pace and skills with the new ball. In his absence, the fast bowling department will primarily be handled by the experienced Lasith Malinga, New Zealander Mitchell McClenaghan and South African Marchant de Lange along with other Indian speedsters.
The Australian has been earning a good name in international cricket after making his debut against India late last year. He has been mighty impressive, taking 12 wickets in 3 Test matches and 19 ODI wickets in 13 appearances.
It is such consistency which prompted the Mumbai Indians to retain the young talented fast bowler on a $100,000 contract for 2015.
But, Hazlewood is not the first Australian to withdraw from the lucrative tournament, as Rajasthan Royals' Kane Richardson also decided not to play in the IPL this season.
