The India skipper, who was due to represent Melbourne Renegades, will be replaced by Eve Jones in the short-term
Harmanpreet Kaur has been ruled out of the 2022/23 Women's Big Bash with a back injury.
Her absence is a huge blow for Melbourne Renegades, for whom she was talismanic in WBBL07: the India captain walked away with the player of the tournament gong after scoring 406 runs (three half-centuries) and taking 15 wickets.
Kaur missed the Renegades' opening two matches due to India's involvement in the Asia Cup, with Eve Jones stepping in as an overseas replacement.
The English top-order batter will continue to represent the Renegades in that capacity for at least the "next couple of matches", according to general manager, James Rosengarten.
Eve Jones will continue her stint as an overseas replacement [James Elsby/Getty Images]
"Harmanpreet was fantastic for us last season and we were looking forward to having her as part of our squad again this year, but unfortunately she has been ruled out through injury," he said.
"Eve will stay on with our squad for at least the next couple of matches, as we work through the best strategy for our squad for the remainder of the tournament."
Melbourne Renegades have made a mixed start to WBBL08, beating Adelaide Strikers by four wickets in their season opener before losing to Brisbane Heat by 21 runs.
They will hope to avenge the latter defeat on October 21 when the two sides meet in Adelaide.