Kolkata, March 31 (IANS): Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be without the services of New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham and Australian middle-order bat Chris Lynn for this season in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Neesham, who was bought at this year's auction, and Chris Lynn, retained from last year, have both been ruled out based on the injury reports received from their respective boards, a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) release said on Tuesday.

KKR have roped in former Pakistan cricketer Azhar Mahmood and former South African spinner Johan Botha as replacements for the injured duo.

"IPL regulations permit replacement if a player is unavailable for the entire season. KKR have opted to replace the injured players with the experienced duo of Azhar Mahmood, former Pakistan Test cricketer who is currently based in England playing for Surrey and Johan Botha, former South Africa captain and currently playing for Adelaide Strikers at the Big Bash," Anurag Thakur, secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in the release.

"Pepsi IPL is happy to welcome these experienced campaigners as KKR take on MI in their opening encounter of Pepsi IPL on 8th April, 2015," added the release.