Burger ruled out of MLC 2026

South African fast bowler Nandre Burger has been ruled out of MLC 2026 after scans confirmed a recurrence of a stress reaction in his back. The Texas Super Kings announced he will leave the tournament for a prolonged period of rest and rehabilitation, adding another chapter to a career repeatedly disrupted by injuries.

Burger featured in two matches this season, bowling his full quota in the opener against Seattle Orcas and taking Finn Allen’s wicket against San Francisco Unicorns before being replaced by Adam Milne. His injury history includes lumbar problems in 2021 and 2024, plus a hamstring issue last December.

Texas have named fellow South African Dian Forrester as his replacement. The batting all‑rounder, who debuted internationally earlier this year, owns a strike rate of 140 and 14 wickets in 39 T20s. He recently toured England with South Africa A and has been part of multiple Super Kings setups in SA20 and the IPL.