Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana was a hot commodity at the IPL 2026 auction, with Kolkata Knight Riders securing his services for a whopping Rs. 18 crore. The bidding war started with Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants pushing the price beyond Rs. 10 crore. Pathirana’s recent impressive performance in the ILT20 league in UAE, where he took 4 wickets for just 19 runs in three overs, highlighted his potential.
The 22-year-old’s unique slingy action has earned him a reputation in the IPL, with 47 wickets in 32 matches for Chennai Super Kings. Despite a standout season in 2023, where he played a key role in CSK’s championship win, his form dipped in the 2025 season, leading to his release ahead of the auction.
Pathirana expressed his excitement about joining Kolkata Knight Riders and his determination to continue improving. He acknowledged the support of his fellow Sri Lankan players and looked forward to representing his country in the upcoming World Cup. The young bowler’s signing was Kolkata Knight Riders’ second big-money acquisition after Australian all-rounder Cameron Green.
Published on Dec 16, 2025, this auction marked a new chapter in Pathirana’s career as he geared up to showcase his talent in the upcoming IPL season with his new team.
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