Kolkata Knight Riders Face Injury Setback Ahead of IPL 2026
IPL 2026 Set to Kick Off
The highly anticipated IPL 2026 is scheduled to commence on March 28 (Saturday), featuring all ten teams competing for the prestigious title in this lucrative league. Among the contenders, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are eager to reclaim their status as four-time champions after finishing eighth in the previous season. In preparation for the upcoming tournament, KKR has significantly restructured their roster, but they are currently facing challenges due to injuries.
A notable absence will be that of Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who was acquired for Rs 18 crore but sustained an injury during the T20 World Cup 2026, leading to his exclusion from the tournament. The KKR management has now provided an update regarding his recovery timeline.
During a press briefing hosted by JioHotstar, KKR's head coach Abhishek Nayar announced that Pathirana is expected to regain match fitness by mid-April. "The latest communication we have had is that hopefully somewhere by mid-April is where he will be match fit," Nayar stated. Consequently, Pathirana will miss the initial matches of the season.
Pathirana's NOC Status with Sri Lanka Cricket
Matheesha Pathirana Not Cleared By Sri Lanka Cricket
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that they have granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to several players for participation in IPL 2026, including Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis. However, Matheesha Pathirana, along with Wanindu Hasaranga and Eshan Malinga, has not yet completed the required physical performance tests, which is why they have not received their NOCs.
The SLC statement noted, "Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana, who have requested NOCs for the IPL 2026, are yet to complete their physical performance tests." Additionally, pacer Nuwan Thushara, who is part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has undergone the test, but the results are still pending, leaving him in a similar situation regarding his NOC.