IPL 2026: Why did CSK release Matheesha Pathirana? CEO Kasi Viswanathan breaks silence on the high-profile decision

Table of Contents

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) sent shockwaves through the Indian Premier League (IPL) fraternity on November 15th with the unexpected release of their young Sri Lankan pacer, Matheesha Pathirana. This decision was particularly baffling as the five-time champions had previously retained him for a hefty INR 13 crore and actively rebuffed multiple trade requests for the death-over specialist.

The ultimate goal, as the CEO explained, was to arm the franchise with maximum financial muscle to rebuild their championship-winning core. The central explanation for the high-profile release of Pathirana, a bowler often called the heir to Lasith Malinga, lies squarely in the realm of financial strategy for the upcoming mini-auction. Following a season of underwhelming performance from Pathirana and the massive trade activity that saw Sanju Samson arrive for INR 18 crore (and the corresponding exit of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran), CSK prioritized a large, flexible budget.

The management viewed the INR 13 crore spent on Pathirana as the most viable amount to free up to execute a comprehensive squad overhaul after a disappointing finish in the previous season. The CEO emphasized that this was a collective and difficult choice made for the team’s overall betterment, ensuring they did not approach the auction with hands tied.

“We wanted to enter the auction with a substantial purse. We had already made tough calls by trading out Jadeja and Curran. Sanju Samson came at ₹18 crore. Given the kind of combination we are trying to build, the management collectively felt that a bigger purse would give us a better chance to construct a stronger squad. Whatever we do will always be in the best interests of the team. We will try to get him back but it will depend on how the auction pans out.” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan was quoted as saying by RevSportz.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Robin Uthappa reveals his choices for CSK’s top 3 in the upcoming edition

As per RevSportz, the most surprising element of this saga was the franchise’s decision to reject concrete trade offers for Pathirana, including one from the Rajasthan for the Samson deal and another from the Punjab Kings for Marcus Stoinis, only to subsequently release him.

This paradox can be understood as a strategic high-stakes play by the CSK management. By refusing to trade him, they retained control over his future, gambling that his recent drop in form, combined with his high base price, might deter rival bidders. The goal is to re-acquire the Sri Lankan pacer, who picked up 47 wickets in 32 matches for the franchise, at a significantly reduced price compared to the INR 13 crore he was retained for last year. This risk, however, is being closely monitored by competitors like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who have also released big names and possess a large purse, raising the possibility of a bidding war for the ‘slinga.’

Also READ: IPL 2026: 5 franchises that can target Matheesha Pathirana in the Indian Premier League Auction