Andrew Flintoff ruled out of IPL 2

New Delhi:

Chennai Super Kings received a big blow to their IPL bid on Friday when their key player Andrew Flintoff was ruled out of the tournament due to knee injury.

The England all-rounder has returned home to undergo surgery on a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Flintoff, who was bought for a record $1.55 million by the Super Kings, felt discomfort in his right knee during the match against Delhi Daredevils.

Scans were taken of the right knee in a Durban hospital and they detected a slight medial meniscal tear in the knee and after these scans were viewed by Nick Peirce, radiologists the surgeon it was decided that Flintoff should return to London.

The surgery that will take place next week will keep him out of action for 3-5 weeks of international cricket.

"Andrew has been extremely unlucky with injuries but if there is one saving grace it is that the injury has occured now rather than on the eve of either the ICC World Twenty20 or the npower Ashes," said Hugh Morris, England Cricket Managing Director.

"Having the surgery now means that Flintoff should be available for both those events although he is certain to miss the npower Test series against the West Indies," he added.

England will announce their side for the first npower Test series against the West Indies on April 29 and the final 15 and captain for the ICC World Twenty20 as well as the squad for the NatWest ODIs against the West Indies will be announced on May 1.