As the new IPL season approaches, the big question on fans’ lips is will Matheesha Pathirana play IPL 2026? The Sri Lankan pacer picked up a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup, which ruled him out of the rest of the tournament. Luckily, sources suggest his recovery is progressing well, and there’s growing optimism that he could be back on the field soon. Everyone following Matheesha Pathirana in KKR updates is keeping their fingers crossed.
Contents
Will Matheesha Pathirana Play IPL 2026?
Pathirana has resumed bowling in the nets, gradually increasing intensity. Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Bandula Dissanayake confirmed,
“As far as I know, he’s fit and we have given him NOC to participate in the IPL… He has completed rehab and he is fit. But the franchise will be tasked to assess his readiness.”
His return is critical for KKR pace bowlers, who have been stretched thin with Harshit Rana injured and Mustafizur Rahman released earlier this year. With Pathirana ramping up his bowling, the coaching staff is cautiously optimistic.
Related Article：KKR Injured Players Ahead of IPL 2026：Pathirana and Rana Under Scanner
NOC Rumours Debunked
There’s been chatter online suggesting Sri Lanka Cricket denied Pathirana a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Let’s set the record straight: he hasn’t applied yet, as he still needs to meet specific fitness benchmarks. Once he ticks the boxes, the NOC process should be quick. Fans need not worry—this won’t stop Matheesha Pathirana in KKR squad once cleared.
在 Instagram 查看這則貼文
If all goes to plan, Pathirana is likely to link up with KKR just before their home opener on 2 April against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Bought for INR 18 crore, he’ll be a major boost for KKR pace bowlers, providing the team with experience, raw pace, and crucial death-over expertise. Having him in the attack rounds out a bowling unit that’s been lacking firepower.
在 Instagram 查看這則貼文
Since debuting in 2022 with Chennai Super Kings, Pathirana has played 32 matches, taking 47 wickets. Last season was patchy—13 wickets from 12 games—but his skill set remains highly coveted. Adding Matheesha Pathirana in KKR gives the franchise a real edge, especially in T20 scenarios where fast bowlers can turn matches in a single over. His ability to bowl at high speed and deliver pinpoint yorkers could be the difference-maker.
Fingers Crossed for IPL 2026
So, will Matheesha Pathirana play IPL 2026? Everything points towards a yes, as long as he clears the final fitness tests. Fans are eager to see Matheesha Pathirana in KKR wreak havoc again, and the team’s hopes rest heavily on their star pacer. With the return of Pathirana, KKR pace bowlers suddenly look a lot more threatening, and Eden Gardens could be in for a thrilling season.
