Jofra Archer has quit the Indian Premier League early due to another flare up of the elbow injury that has plagued his career.
The 28-year-old fast bowler has headed home for a period of 'rest and rehabilitation' after his most recent bout of surgery on the joint just weeks ago failed to ease the pain and discomfort he has been feeling while bowling.
It is a desperately sad situation for Archer who has been battling with pain in his right elbow for almost four years which has severely limited his involvement with England following his breakthrough summer. And it surely leaves England's plans to use him as their strike weapon this year in tatters.
Archer had been playing for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and it was midway through this edition that Archer headed to Belgium to see a specialist for what was described as a minor procedure, before he returned to play a further four matches.
However the pain in his elbow has become too much for him to cope with and he is now heading home to the medical staff of the ECB and his county Sussex to try and find a way forward.
In a statement the ECB said: "Jofra Archer will return from the IPL with immediate effect. Archer has been recovering from right elbow surgery. However, pushing through the discomfort whilst recently playing, hoping it will settle, has proven challenging. Therefore, it has been agreed for him to return to the UK for a period of rest and rehabilitation to give him the best opportunity for a full recovery.
"The ECB would like to thank the Mumbai Indians for their support and cooperation during this time. Archer will return to the UK this week and will work on his rehab with the ECB medical department and Sussex County Cricket Club, respectively."
Archer's former Sussex teammate Chris Jordan has replaced him at the Mumbai franchise for a fee of £160,000 after originally going unsold in the auction. Jordan, a T20n World Cup winner last year, has a wealth of IPL experience having played for four different franchises down the years.
Mumbai Indians have not seen the best of Archer having bought him for £800,000 in the 2022 mega auction knowing he would not be available until this year due to that elbow injury. In the five matches he has played this season he has taken just two wickets and conceded 9.50 runs per over.
In a statement the Mumbai Indians said: "Chris Jordan replaces Jofra Archer, whose recovery and fitness continues to be monitored by ECB. Jofra will return home to focus on his rehabilitation."
