Pathirana Cleared to Join KKR for CSK IPL Match

Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has received a no-objection certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket, clearing him to join the Kolkata Knight Riders squad ahead of their Indian Premier League match against Chennai Super Kings on April 14 in Chennai.

The 23-year-old pacer, acquired by the three-time champions for 18 crore rupees at the IPL 2026 auction, had been sidelined since sustaining a left-leg injury during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Pathirana bowled just four deliveries in Sri Lanka's clash against Australia in Pallekele before leaving the field, which delayed his availability for the tournament's start. After clearing a mandatory fitness test administered by Sri Lanka Cricket's medical team, he is now set to travel to India and link up with Kolkata Knight Riders, providing a timely reinforcement to their bowling attack.

Kolkata Knight Riders sit at the bottom of the points table after a winless start to the 19th edition of the IPL, with three defeats and one rain-abandoned match yielding just a single point from their fixture against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens. The team has struggled particularly in the death overs, leaking runs in losses to Mumbai Indians,...