Sandeep Warrier replaces injured Irfan for Challenger Trophy

All-rounder Irfan Pathan has been ruled out of the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy, later this month, following an injury.

He is replaced in the India Red squad, which will be led by his brother Yusuf, by Kerala medium-pacer Sandeep Warrier.

“Irfan Pathan has been ruled out of the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy, due to injury," Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Sanjay Patel said.

"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has replaced him with Sandeep Warrier in the India Red squad," he added.

Injuries have dogged Irfan since he played a crucial role in India's ODI series triumph in Sri Lanka last year. They also kept him out of the India ‘A’ squad for the ongoing limited-overs series against the West Indies ‘A’.

A hamstring injury had earlier curtailed his Ranji season, before another one ruled him out of the tri-series in the West Indies in July.

The Challenger Trophy, played between India Blue, India Red and India Green, will be played at Indore from September 26-29.

Image: Irfan Pathan