Matheesha Pathirana IPL return date revealed, set to miss two matches
Published - 28 Mar 2026, 04:13 PM | Updated - 28 Mar 2026, 04:16 PM
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Matheesha Pathirana is all set to join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Sri Lanka. According to a RevSportz report, the Lankan pacer is expected to join the IPL franchise by April 6, after completing the entire fitness process.
For INR 18 crore, KKR bought Matheesha Pathirana from the auction ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League. Due to fresh guidelines issued by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the pacer is gradually uncertain about playing the league from the beginning. As of now, there are high chances to see KKR playing their first few IPL 2026 matches without the service of the slinger.
SLC mandates strict fitness training for all key players
SLC has made it clear that they will not allow their players to participate in the league until they achieve a certain fitness level. Because of this update, multiple Sri Lankan international cricketers, including Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga, are yet to link up with their respective IPL teams.
"At present, SLC is conducting an eight-week specialized physical training program for all nationally contracted players. This initiative aims to enhance players' physical performance standards in preparation for upcoming international assignments. Along with this program, players are also undergoing the mandatory physical performance tests, a routine process followed to check the fitness standards of the players," the Sri Lanka cricket board said in an official statement days before the beginning of IPL 2026.
"Only those who successfully meet the required standards of the physical performance tests will be cleared to participate in the ongoing domestic tournament and also granted an NOC to take part in IPL 2026," the statement continues.
Why does the Sri Lanka Cricket Board make the fitness tests necessary for its stars?
On March 21, ESPNcricinfo reported that the board sanctioned the strict player fitness guideline, which might be to keep their key players ready for the team's upcoming international assignment, which is at the end of May.
"With Sri Lanka not due to play another men's international until the end of May at least, this period was identified as a training block during which the nationally-contracted players could raise fitness standards. The physical performance test is understood to be comprised of several tests including a 2km sprint", the media report informed.
Which IPL 2026 matches can Matheesha Pathirana miss?
Now, the latest claims suggest that Matheesha Pathirana, the star pacer of the Island nation, can join the Kolkata Knight Riders by April 6, which means he can miss the two to three matches.
KKR is set to begin its IPL 2026 campaign on March 29 against the Mumbai Indians, followed by a match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2. On April 6 (Monday), they will be up against the Punjab Kings. If Matheesha Pathirana comes by April 6, then he is set to miss the first two matches, and can miss the match against the Punjab Kings as well.
Matheesha Pathirana received a calf injury during the T20 World Cup 2026. Since then, he has been recovering from it. It is noticed that both SLC and the bowlers are keen on making the rehabilitation as effective as possible.
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