CA stops Tait from playing in IPL

Cricket Australia has stopped pacer Shaun Tait from competing in the Indian Premier League, lending a further blow to defending champions Rajasthan Royals, already missing the services of prolific all-rounder Shane Watson due to injury.

The 26-year-old bowler, who has been named in country's 30-man preliminary squad for the World Twenty20 scheduled in June, was stopped by CA as it doesn't want to risk his availability in Twenty20 World Cup in England later this year.

'Sources say Tait declared himself fit a fortnight ago, but CA refused to give him a clean bill of health,' The Australian reported on Saturday.

The Royals, who apart from Watson are also missing last IPL's top bowler Sohail Tanvir, bought Tait for $350,000 in the auction.

Tait's manager Andrew McRitchie said the CA's decision was "very disappointing" as Tait had been making good progress in rehabilitation.

'The IPL was the only chance to prove his fitness before the squad for the Twenty20 World Cup was picked. How he proves that now, I don't know,' McRitchie was quoted as saying by the daily.