Matheesha Pathirana Cleared for IPL 2026 Return to Bolster Struggling Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata. There is positive news for the Kolkata Knight Riders, who have been in crisis following a string of losses in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to travel to India after passing the mandatory fitness test conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

According to ESPNcricinfo, Pathirana, who has sufficiently recovered from his injury, will arrive in India on April 17, the day of the match against the Gujarat Titans. However, he will only be available for selection for the home game against the Rajasthan Royals on April 19, pending clearance from the Kolkata medical team.

Pathirana, signed by Kolkata for 18 crore INR, suffered a calf injury during the T–20 World Cup held earlier this year. Kolkata's performance this season has been dismal; the team sits at the bottom of the points table after losing three of their four matches, with one game abandoned due to rain.

Kolkata's bowling attack has been significantly weakened by the injuries to key bowlers Harshit Rana and Akash Deep, the release of Mustafizur Rahman under BCCI directives, and the poor form of Varun Chakravarthy.

The team failed to defend a total of 220 runs in their opening match and struggled with their bowling against the Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. In last Thursday's match against the Lucknow Super Giants, Kolkata suffered another defeat after losing control in the death overs.

Pathirana's return is expected to strengthen Kolkata's bowling attack. Meanwhile, fellow Sri Lankan player Wanindu Hasaranga has been completely ruled out of this IPL season due to injury.