Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana’s availability remains under threat, as he is yet to field for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the ongoing IPL 2026. According to the latest reports, Pathirana, who joined the franchise for Rs 18 crore, has cleared the fitness protocols set by Sri Lanka Cricket but he is yet to play his first IPL 2026 for KKR.
Mathisha Pathirana may have submitted the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the cricket governing body of Sri Lanka, but no one knows when the fast bowler will be available to play for Kolkata. Without Slinger, the Knight Riders are struggling to perform.
Mathisha Pathirana has already missed 6 IPL 2026 matches for KKR
This fast bowler could not even play in the match against Gujarat Titans. Overall, he has already missed 6 matches in the current edition of the Indian Premier League. KKR could not win even a single match in these 6 matches. With just 1 point, which came from a rain-hit match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Eden Gardens, they are placed 10th.th In a 10-team league.
Ahead of the Gujarat Titans match, a KKR spokesperson informed the media that the 23-year-old has indeed received the NOC but is yet to join the team due to logistical reasons.
Former New Zealand fast bowler, now cricket commentator and pundit, Simon Doull is absolutely disappointed with this matter, as there is a lack of transparency regarding the availability of Mathiesha Pathirana.
Just tell something partially: Simon Doull
After the GT vs KKR match, where Knight Riders lost by 5 wickets, Doull said that the franchise should have shared some official information so that everyone is aware of the real scenario.
“You don’t need to tell the whole truth, but rather tell something partially and give some kind of clarification. It leaves you alone; there is no social media speculation, and there is no speculation from our side,” the former Kiwi fast bowler said on Cricbuzz.
“We’re wondering if he’s been picked up in the auction, we know he’s on the way, or he’s here. Logical reason? What? Can’t someone find the car keys to put him in the car, or is there no seat on the bus for him? We can only laugh about it because we haven’t been told. We just want to know when he might be available,” he said.
Not only Kolkata Knight Riders, but some other IPL franchises also suffered losses due to some of their foreign players. After the conclusion of the 2026 T20 World Cup, many cricketers went for recovery or rehabilitation sessions.
Dole’s suggestions for all IPL teams
“This is what you always do. It’s not just KKR, it’s every team in this league. They hide things. We need to make assumptions. Franchises hide behind things, thinking it’s for the benefit of the team. It’s not. That’s where all the speculation comes from. I said it on air during the last game, just be open, put a message on social media. These are the reasons,” the cricket expert also said.
“I really don’t want to see your players eating cake or drinking coffee. I would like to know who is available and who is not available. Just be open, some transparency. If you’re open and honest about things, you’ll get some leeway, and people will say, ‘Oh, that’s really a shame,’ he adds.
Read more: KKR playoff qualification scenario explained after GT defeat; What do they need to qualify?
