ICC approves Mohit Sharma replacement for World Cup

DUBAI: The ICC today confirmed that the Event Technical Committee of the cricket World Cup has approved Mohit Sharma as a replacement player for injured Ishant Sharma in India's squad for the tournament starting February 14.

Ishant, who failed a fitness test in Adelaide yesterday, is suffering from a knee injury he sustained during the Boxing Day Test against Australia.

Meanwhile the 26-year-old Mohit, who was part of the Indian squad in the tri-series, has played 12 ODIs in which he has taken 10 wickets.

Any injury or illness-based replacement requires a written submission to the Event Technical Committee along with a diagnosis from a medical practitioner as to the extent of the injury or illness.

Once replaced, a player may not return to the squad save as an approved subsequent replacement for another injured or ill player.

The Event Technical Committee of the 50-over showpiece event is Geoff Allardice (ICC General Manager - Cricket, Chairman), Campbell Jamieson (ICC General Manager - Commercial), John Harnden ( Chief Executive, CWC 2015 LOC), Gavin Larsen (Cricket Operations Manager, New Zealand), Russel Arnold and Sanjay Manjrekar (independent nominees).

Defending champions India are in Pool B alongwith former champions Pakistan and the West Indies, African rivals South Africa and Zimbabwe, and qualifiers Ireland and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

India will play their opening match against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval on February 15.