As per the latest pres release issued by the Cricket South Africa, the South Africa Test captain Graeme Smith is ruled out of the upcoming Indian Premier League [IPL 5] as he has to undergo an ankle surgery

The cricketer plays in IPL for Pune Warriors, but this season he will miss the league and will undergo a surgery on his left ankle, which has been troubling him with chronic pain over the last two months.

Further, it is said in reports that the decision was taken by the board after proper consultation with the Board’s ankle specialist, who found an impingement syndrome of the ankle.

In a statement issued by the Board, South African team manager, Mohammed Moosjee said, “Graeme went to see CSA’s ankle specialist in Cape Town this weekend and he confirmed that the best management of the chronic pain in his ankle is surgery.”

He said, “The recovery period after such a surgery usually takes 8-10 weeks, and he will subsequently not be able to represent Pune Warriors at the 2012 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India.”

The board further reveals that Smith’s surgery will take place next Tuesday, and will give him proper time to recover ahead of South Africa’s tour to England in July this year.

Talking on his injury, Smith said, “I’m very disappointed to be missing out on the IPL this year.”

He said, “I was looking forward to my second season with Pune Warriors, especially after my knee set me back last season. I would like to wish them all of the best this year. I’m sure the new management and exciting new signings will be a positive boost for the side.”