IPL 5: Injury rules out Pune's Hopes

Pune: Pune Warriors India allrounder James Hopes has been ruled out of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season five due to a knee injury, dealing a blow to Pune's preparations for the mega event.

Pune bought Hopes from Delhi Daredevils last month and was the only overseas player the franchise had signed this season apart from West Indies' allrounder Marlon Samuels.

Hopes' absence means Pune now have two foreign player slots left to fill after the IPL Governing Council allowed the franchise an extra foreigner this season to make up for the absence of Yuvraj Singh.

James Hopes\' absence means the Pune Warriors India now have two foreign player slots left to fill.

Hopes recently led Queensland to the Sheffield Shield title with a half-century in the first innings and a five-wicket haul in the second.

Pune were reportedly in talks with Michael Clarke, the Australian captain, recently - coming in as a possible replacement for Yuvraj.

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