Michael Clarke ruled out of IPL 6, Pune Warriors have to hunt for new captain

It's official. Michael Clarke will surely miss the upcoming Indian Premier League due to a lower back injury. That means Pune Warriors will have to find a new captain.

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! Clarke will be out of action for at least seven to 10 weeks. The IPL is scheduled between April 3 to May 26.

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.

As always, we need to manage this carefully as there are potentially serious consequences with further aggravation. He still has pain with basic activities and is not back to full function as yet."

Paoloni added: "He 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 but is still 7-10 weeks away from returning to training and playing. We are confident that it will not affect his Ashes preparation but will know more over the coming weeks."

Clarke's intensive rehabilitation program will be overseen by the CA medical team and back specialists in Australia.