Cape Town - Proteas speedster Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a shoulder injury.

The 25-year-old had been snapped up Jacques Kallis' Kolkata Knight Riders franchise and was set to play in his first ever IPL. 

On Wednesday, however, Nortje confirmed the news on his Twitter account. 

It is not quite clear at this stage exactly how serious the injury is, but the Proteas will no doubt be monitoring the situation closely. 

While he has just four ODIs to his name, Nortje is expected to form part of South Africa's 15-man squad that will travel to England for the World Cup in May. 

Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi are expected to spearhead the Proteas pace attack at that tournament, but Nortje is understood to be next in line.

The 12th edition of the IPL gets underway this weekend.  

Unfortunately due to a shoulder injury I've had to pull out of the @IPL. I wish @KKRiders all the best and bring the trophy back home!! #KKRHaiTaiyaar

— Anrich Nortje (@AnrichNortje02) March 20, 2019