Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathiesha Pathirana has been ruled out with injury and is yet to return to action after the end of his T20 World Cup campaign. His return to KKR has been delayed, awaiting NOC from SLC.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026, ahead of the start of the IPL season, has ruled out several players from the 19th edition of the Indian T20 competition. Many players have been ruled out due to serious injuries, while the same has happened in the Sri Lankan camp.
Specialist spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has missed the IPL for the second consecutive season. He has been left out of IPL 2026 after being selected by LSG at a mere base price. The other player with a serious injury is fast bowler Pathirana, who was the second most expensive player in the mini-auction.
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SLC delays Mathisha Pathirana’s return to KKR
KKR is holding its breath for the return of fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana. The experienced fast bowler was dropped from the ICC T20 World Cup after playing just a few matches on Sri Lanka’s home soil.
He was bought by Knight Riders for a huge price of Rs 18 crore. Recent news has claimed that this fast bowler will not return till 15 or 16 April. SLC had announced some fitness tests for some athletes before issuing the NOC.
Clearance from the SLC Sports Science and Medical Department is awaited, and once the fitness test is conducted, the no objection certificate will be issued. After this he will be eligible to join the KKR team.
IPL Update 🚨
🇱🇰⚾️ Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathiesha Pathirana (KKR) is expected to be unavailable until April 15 or 16, pending clearance from the SLC Sports Science and Medical Department. #sportspavilionlk #danushkarvinda #IPL2026 #kkr #mathihapathirana pic.twitter.com/PslkTXnmJ1
– Danushka Aravinda (@DanuskaAravinda) 2 April 2026
Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling problems were evident in their opening encounter against MI
Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling problems were evident in the opening clash between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on April 29, 2026, which was the second game of the IPL 2026 season.
KKR invested huge amounts of money to strengthen their squad, and their batting department paid off handsomely as they scored 220 runs in their opening game, with the captain leading from the front.
Despite chasing such a huge target, MI’s batsmen scored runs with ease and chased the target effectively. Without players like Mathisha Pathirana and Harshit Rana, the bowling deck looked like a very disjointed pack.
Sri Lankan players who have already arrived for their IPL franchise with NOC from SLC
SLC has not retained the NOC of Mathisha Pathirana without any valid reason. This decision is also supported by the consideration that other players who are fit for the competition have already arrived to take part in the IPL.
Players like Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera have backed themselves and come in for Delhi Capitals. Kamindu Mendis and Ishan Malinga have also entered the field for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Hasaranga and Nuvah Thusara have been ruled out, while there remains uncertainty over Mathisha Pathirana’s availability.
After this, he will have to pass a fitness test and obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before he is eligible to join the KKR team.
1. Ready to Play Clearance: 15th or 16th April
2. Fitness Test
3. No Objection Certificate (NOC)
4. Join KKR team https://t.co/GMvIYQkSZI– Danushka Aravinda (@DanuskaAravinda) 2 April 2026
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