Sri Lanka and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana is reportedly set to miss the rest of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 due to a calf injury. The right-arm pacer left the field after picking up the injury during Sri Lanka’s eight-wicket win over Australia at the Pallekele International Stadium on Monday, February 16.
Pathirana, who was bought by KKR for ₹18 crore at the 2026 IPL auction, managed to bowl only four deliveries before going down in discomfort and holding his left leg. The medical staff treated him on the field, and although he briefly stood up, he eventually walked off with a limp.
His absence is a major setback for Sri Lanka, who have already qualified but are missing key spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. As per ESPNcricinfo, Matheesha Pathirana is expected to be out for several weeks, though the injury is not likely to impact his availability for the 2026 IPL.
“I think he’s been declared unfit for the rest of the tournament. I think that news will be coming out, if it’s ruling him out. As far as the replacement is concerned, it’s still being discussed,” Sri Lanka’s batting consultant Vikram Rathour updated ahead of the group stage match against Zimbabwe (via ESPN).
KKR Faces Major Injury Woes Ahead Of IPL 2026
The three-time champions face a challenging lead-up to the next season due to multiple injuries and gaps in their revamped bowling lineup. They were forced to release their top ₹9.20 crore signing, Mustafizur Rahman, following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid escalating political tensions with Bangladesh.
While KKR have permission to find a replacement, no new signing has been confirmed yet. The team is also expected to be without Harshit Rana for IPL 2026. The right-arm pacer sustained a knee injury during India’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against South Africa, recently underwent surgery, and will start his recovery soon.
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