South Africa batsman Loots Bosman has been ruled out of the ICC World Twenty20 because of a back injury.

The 30-year-old was injured in the one-day series against Zimbabwe when he crashed into an advertising hoarding.

"It is with deep regret we had to take this course but the medical report left us with no alternative," Cricket South Africa president Norman Arendse said.

"Loots has had a stand-alone record in this form of the game in South African cricket and he was desperate to play."

Bosman was attempting to make a catch on the boundary when he crashed into the advertising boards and had to be carried off the field.

Earlier this year the big-hitting opener combined with Graeme Smith to set a new record of 132 for the highest partnership in international Twenty20 cricket.

A replacement for Bosman will be named once it has been approved by the ICC technical committee.

Arendse added: "We have to look at the bigger picture, particularly as it affects hislong-term career.

"Neurological injuries can take on career-threatening proportions and, had Loots got hurt again in the tournament, he could have been put out of action for far longer than the six weeks' rest recommended by our team of medical specialists."