Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has cleared his fitness tests and is expected to travel to India in the coming days to join Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026, sources confirmed on Sunday.
Pathirana had been sidelined due to injury concerns and was awaiting clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket’s mandated fitness assessments before being permitted to join his franchise. With the tests now passed, the 23-year-old pace sensation is set to provide a significant bowling boost to KKR as the tournament progresses into its middle stages.
The confirmation follows weeks of uncertainty over Sri Lankan players’ IPL participation. Wanindu Hasaranga was effectively ruled out of Lucknow Super Giants’ campaign, with LSG Cricket Director Tom Moody confirming a replacement search. The NOC dispute involving Nuwan Thushara was resolved only after a public apology and SLC’s withdrawal of legal action.
Pathirana’s death-bowling skills — his signature slingy yorkers clock above 145 km/h — make him one of the most sought-after T20 specialists in world cricket. KKR paid a premium to secure him at the IPL auction, and his availability for the business end of the tournament significantly strengthens their pace attack.
Sri Lanka Cricket had mandated fitness testing for all IPL-bound players this season following concerns about player workload management and national duty commitments.
