Pune Warriors will have to find a new captain with  Michael Clarke bowing out of the IPL due to a lower back injury.  Reports say he may be out of action for at least seven to ten weeks. The IPL is scheduled between April 3 to May 26.

According to reports, Clarke was being pressured to lead the Warriors – a move that would see his pay skyrocket to as much as USD 2 million. Cricket Australia Chief Medical Officer Justin Paoloni said: “Clarke had scans that confirmed his current lower back injury is an exacerbation of previous issues he has had with his spine.”

Clarke  also has a hamstring injury that has been a concern for most of the summer and will complicate his return. Michael is having intensive rehabilitation for both his back and hamstring. We are confident that it will not affect his Ashes preparation,Paoloni said.

CA Medical Team and back specialists in Australia will monitor Clarke’s intensive rehabilitation program.