IPL 2026: Matheesha Pathirana cleared to join Kolkata Knight Riders in major boost

Published - 12 Apr 2026, 13:21 IST | Updated - 12 Apr 2026, 13:24 IST

Matheesha Pathirana has received his No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, providing a significant boost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) amid their poor start to the season. The franchise has struggled early on, suffering three defeats while one match was washed out.

According to News18, Pathirana is set to travel to Chennai and link up with the squad ahead of their upcoming fixtures. KKR’s struggles have been particularly evident in the death overs, where they have failed to contain opposition batters during crucial moments. Defeats against Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants exposed these shortcomings, making Pathirana’s arrival timely.

KKR had invested heavily in the Sri Lankan pacer, signing him for a record INR 18 crore at the auction, highlighting his importance to their plans. However, his availability had been uncertain following a left-leg injury sustained during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where he managed to bowl only four deliveries against Australia before leaving the field.

Pathirana previously represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he claimed 47 wickets in 32 matches and played a key role in their 2023 title-winning campaign. He is known for his slingy action and effectiveness at the death and his experience will be crucial for a KKR bowling unit that has lacked consistency, especially with injuries to key pacers.

The three-time champion's issues extend beyond bowling. They currently sit at the bottom of the points table with just one point from four matches. Captain Ajinkya Rahane has faced criticism for frequent changes in the batting order and unsettled combinations. Meanwhile, big-money signing Cameron Green has yet to make a significant impact, though youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi has emerged as a rare bright spot.

KKR will next face CSK in Chennai, where spin-friendly conditions could favour players like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy. With their campaign at a critical juncture, Pathirana’s return could prove pivotal in reviving their fortunes.