Yuvraj battling non-malignant tumour

	Yuvraj Singh has been battling a non-malignant tumour on his lung, in addition to his on-field injuries © Getty Images

Yuvraj Singh, the India allrounder, had asked the BCCI not to consider him for selection for the ODI series against West Indies because he has been recovering from what his family has called an "illness that threatened his career," caused by an "abnormal tumour" on his lung.

According to a statement released by his mother, Shabnam Singh, Yuvraj had been troubled by bouts of coughing and vomitting during the 2011 World Cup but had ignored the problem during the tournament, "assuming it was due to stress."

When the problem persisted after the World Cup, Yuvraj sought medical advice and tests revealed "a golf-ball sized" growth on his left lung, the statement said. Initial reports had suggested that Yuvraj "had what in medical terms is called an abnormal tumor called lymphoma. The danger was, we were told, that it could be malignant."

Early medical treatment and therapy led to Yuvraj feeling better than he did during the World Cup and he "was eager to resume his India duties." However, after returning from the tour of England due to a finger injury sustained during the Nottingham Test, Yuvraj went through several rounds of tests, scans and a recent biopsy in order to ascertain the exact nature of the tumour. "Further reports have indicated that the tumour is non-malignant and non-threatening and can be treated through proper medication and therapy. In medical terms, Yuvraj is now in a much better state and on his way to a full recovery."

Yuvraj had informed the BCCI president N Srinivasan of the findings and wanted to regain his fitness. It was why he had "sought some more time ... and asked not to be considered for selection in the one-dayers versus West Indies."

In the statement Yuvraj's mother said he "did not want to rush things, wants to be 100% fit before resuming his cricket for India and has started working hard on both his fitness and his cricket. He is already preparing himself to play the one-day series in Australia."

Yuvraj was not included in the Test squad for the tour of Australia. © ESPN EMEA Ltd.