Muttiah Muralitharan, cricket`s most prolific bowler, has been ruled out of the remainder of the Twenty20 World Cup after injuring his groin in Sri Lanka`s two-wicket loss to New Zealand.

Team physiotherapist Tommy Simsek said Muralitharan had strained his right adductor muscle and would need up to three weeks rest, the Sri Lankan cricket board announced Monday on its website.

Muralitharan`s injury is a major setback for Sri Lanka`s chances in the competition. No replacement has yet been named.


The 38-year-old Muralitharan has more international wickets than any cricketer, with 792 in 132 Tests and 512 in 334 limited-overs internationals.

He has 13 wickets in 10 T20 internationals at an average of 18.46 and economy rate of 6.15.