Matheesha Pathirana Cleared to Join Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026
IPL 2026 - Matheesha Pathirana granted NOC by Sri Lanka Cricket to join KKR
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Matheesha Pathirana has received a no-objection certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket to join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for IPL 2026. He will travel to India on April 17 and be available for selection from April 19, providing a much-needed boost to KKR, who are struggling at the bottom of the points table.
- 01Matheesha Pathirana cleared the fitness test and received NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket.
- 02He will join KKR on April 17 and be available for selection from April 19.
- 03KKR is currently at the bottom of the IPL points table after three losses and one washout.
- 04Pathirana was bought for INR 18 crore (approximately $2.2 million USD) in the last IPL auction.
- 05KKR's bowling has suffered due to injuries and poor form among key players.
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Matheesha Pathirana has successfully passed the fitness test required by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and has been granted a no-objection certificate to join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the ongoing IPL 2026 season. He is set to travel to India on April 17, just in time for KKR's next match against the Gujarat Titans. However, he will only be available for selection starting April 19 for their home game against the Rajasthan Royals. This news comes as a significant boost for KKR, who are currently struggling at the bottom of the IPL points table after suffering three losses and one washout in their first four matches. The team’s bowling has been particularly concerning due to injuries to players like Harshit Rana and Akash Deep, along with the release of Mustafizur Rahman. Pathirana, who was acquired for INR 18 crore (approximately $2.2 million USD) at the last IPL auction, was expected to miss the initial matches due to a calf strain sustained during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. His return could help KKR improve their performance in the tournament.
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Pathirana's return is expected to strengthen KKR's bowling lineup, which has struggled in the early matches of IPL 2026.
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