CSK shockingly throw Matheesha Pathirana out of the squad on IPL 2026 retention day
Published - 15 Nov 2025, 12:56 PM | Updated - 15 Nov 2025, 01:19 PM
Table of Contents
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have pulled off a shocking last-minute move after the historic Ravindra Jadeja-Sanju Samson-Sam Curran trade deal, as they decided to release Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana just hours before the IPL 2026 retention deadline on Saturday, November 15.
The five-time IPL champions had spent a massive INR 13 crore to sign Matheesha Pathirana ahead of IPL 2023 and then retained the youngster ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. But the CSK team management has now decided to part ways after weeks of internal discussions.
CSK parts ways with INR 13 Crore star Matheesha Pathirana ahead of IPL 2026 auction
Pathirana’s journey with Chennai Super Kings had started with a bang. His slingy action, raw pace above 140 kmph, and sharp swing made him one of the most feared young bowlers in the IPL. He scalped 19 wickets in just 12 matches and played a big role in CSK’s title triumph in 2023.
Read Also: Ravindra Jadeja breaks silence on CSK after leaving, joining Rajasthan Royals
However, Pathirana’s IPL 2024 campaign was cut short by a hamstring issue, and then by IPL 2025, the struggles were visible as he managed only 13 wickets in 12 matches and leaked runs at over 10 per over. With the retention window closing at 3 pm, the Chennai Super Kings has finally taken the tough call to move on from Pathirana after injuries hindered his progress.
Chennai Super Kings clear space as ₹120-Crore cap looms
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Chennai Super Kings parted ways with Matheesha Pathirana, but the franchise is open to trying to re-sign the Sri Lankan fast bowler at the IPL 2026 auction, which is scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
Pathirana’s release boosts CSK’s purse, having also parted ways with the New Zealand duo Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Earlier, they also sent Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson in a blockbuster trade deal.
With the next IPL being a mini-auction, teams have the freedom to keep as many players as they want. However, there are still two strict limits they must follow. Every squad can have only up to 25 players, and each team must build its lineup within a total budget of ₹120 crore.
Read Also: Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Ashes 2025-26 opener; Uncapped pacer to make his debut
Devon Conway bids emotional goodbye to Chennai
Meanwhile, Devon Conway has officially confirmed that he is leaving Chennai Super Kings, bringing an end to his three-year journey with the franchise. Conway joined Chennai Super Kings ahead of the 2022 season for ₹1 crore. His best season came in 2023, when the New Zealander scored 672 runs in 16 matches, becoming one of the architects behind Chennai's fifth IPL title victory.
However, a thumb injury kept him out of IPL 2024, but Chennai Super Kings retained him for ₹6.25 crore. However, things didn’t go as expected, and Conway could play only six matches in 2025, scoring 156 runs. Well, just before the deadline, Conway shared photos from his time with the franchise on social media, thanking the team and the fans for their support and memories.
He posted, X: “Thank you to all loyal fans of CSK for amazing 3 years of support. 💛👋”
Thank you to all loyal fans of CSK for amazing 3 years support💛👋@ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/7W9sYMErEy
— Devon Conway (@D_Conway88) November 14, 2025
About the Author
Rashmi Wasnik is a passionate content writer with over a decade of experience. She started her journ... Read more
