Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) As a Sri Lankan speedster, they got a big shot in the arm Matheesha Pathirana Officially received No Objection Certificate (NOC) by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). This development paves the way for ‘Baby Malinga’ to join KKR The Chennai camp provides a much-needed lifeline to a franchise currently gasping for air in the bottom half of the points table. Bought for a staggering INR 18 crore in the 2026 mini-auction, Pathirana is expected to link up with the team ahead of the high-priced clash. Chennai Super Kings on April 14.
Matheesha Pathirana allowed to join KKR after receiving NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket
Pathirana’s arrival could not have been more timely. The 23-year-old pacer was ruled out during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after sustaining a leg injury in just four deliveries against Australia. His fitness was a point of contention for KKR fans, especially after the team lost their key Indian seamer Harshit Rana and Akash Deep injuries early in the season. With the SLC medical team finally given the green light, Pathiran is set to bring his lethal death-bowling expertise to a side struggling to retain runs in the final overs.
KKR’s decision to break the bank with an offer of Rs 18 crore stunned Pathirana’s former franchise, CSK, in the process – highlighting the value he places on his unique slingshot move. During his stint with Chennai, Pathirana was a revelation, taking 47 wickets in 32 matches. His 19-goal 2023 season remains the benchmark for his potential impact. In a season where there has been no real X-factor in KKR’s death, Pathirana is likely to walk straight into the playing XI, replacing other options who have struggled abroad. Blessed Muzarabani.
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Knight Riders are currently going through one of the saddest starts in IPL history. As of mid-April, KKR remain at the bottom of the points table as the only team yet to claim a win in the 19th edition of the tournament. Their lone point came from a fixture left by the rain Kings of the Punjab At Eden Gardens where the game against KKR was suspended on 25/2. Beyond that, the story has been one of missed opportunities and tactical failures.
captain Ajinkya Rahane the team is under heavy scrutiny as it has lost three in a row Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants. Even Cameron Greenthe most expensive foreign player in the league’s history, KKR struggled to find its rhythm, failing to provide the explosive all-round contributions expected. With the bowling line-up leaking and the top-order looking fragile, the pressure is mounting. The upcoming clash against CSK at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is a must-win scenario; another loss could not only dampen morale, but could realistically put the playoff spots out of reach before the season’s halfway point. KKR fans are now pinning their hopes on Pathiran to deliver the ‘magic spell’ and spark a mid-season revival.
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