De Villiers to miss Champions League

Cricket south africa announced on Thursday the decision to withdraw Proteas' batsman AB de Villiers from all competitive cricket for the next four to six weeks including his participation for the Delhi Daredevils in the Champions' League tournament in India.

This decision was made after consultation with and advice received from CSA's medical committee.

"AB de Villiers developed left lumbar pain, four weeks ago, during preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy tournament," commented Dr. Shuaib Manjra, chairman of Cricket South Africa's medical committee.

"Despite extensive physiotherapy combined with anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication, his symptoms persisted and an MRI scan was done. He has severe left lumbar spasm and without medication was unable to move freely during the ICC Champions Trophy tournament.

"We have thus decided to withdraw AB from all cricketing activities for the next four to six weeks in order to allow for proper management of his condition and prevent further injury."

As is the case with Graeme Smith, he is expected to return to active participation in the game at the start of the MTN Domestic Championship on October 28.

"I am obviously disappointed to miss the Champions' League," commented De Villiers, "and I wish the Daredevils all the best for the tournament."