IPL 2026 boost for KKR: ‘Fit and ready’ Matheesha Pathirana set to join squad
Kolkata Knight Riders received a significant boost as Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed Matheesha Pathirana is fit and ready for the IPL. This eases concerns over KKR's depleted pace attack, with the young pacer cleared after recovering from a calf strain. His availability, especially as a death-over specialist, is crucial for the franchise's title aspirations.
NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders received a major boost ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 after Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that their star recruit Matheesha Pathirana is “fit and ready to join the IPL,” easing concerns over the franchise’s depleted pace attack. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
With injury concerns looming large over multiple teams this season, KKR were among the worst hit, making Pathirana’s availability a timely relief. The young pacer had been recovering from a calf strain sustained during a T20 World Cup clash, sparking doubts over whether he would be fit in time for the tournament. Sri Lanka Cricket clears Pathirana for IPL Amid growing speculation, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Bandula Dissanayake confirmed that the pacer has completed his rehabilitation and has been granted clearance to participate in the league.
“As far as I know, he’s fit and we have given him NOC to participate in the IPL, that’s all I know at this point of time,” Dissanayake told PTI. “He has completed rehab and he is fit. But the franchise will be tasked to assess his readiness.
At the moment we don’t know anything about that. As far as we know he is fit and ready to join IPL. ” However, there is still no clarity on when Pathirana will link up with the squad, which is scheduled to depart for Mumbai ahead of their opening clash against Mumbai Indians on March 29.