Matheesha Pathirana out of T20 World Cup, cloud over availability for IPL 2026

The Sri Lanka cricket team has been dealt a huge blow amid the T20 World Cup 2026 as Matheesha Pathirana is ruled out of the tournament. The pacer limped off the field after sustaining a muscle strain in the game against Australia.

Pathirana ruled out of T20 World Cup

Reports had suggested that Pathirana would be sidelined for at least 3 weeks owing to the injury. Turns out they were correct. The International Cricket Council (ICC) Technical Committee has confirmed that the pacer has been replaced with Dilshan Madhushanka.

Doubt over IPL availability

Pathirana’s injury will not only come as a blow for Sri Lanka but also for his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The 2-time champions had bagged the pacer for a whopping INR 18 crore. With Mustafizur Rahman released and Harshit Rana under threat to miss the IPL 2026, the Sri Lankan pacer’s injury comes as the latest blow for KKR. Given Pathirana’s history of injuries and his recovery period, he could well take over 3 weeks to return to action.

Bowling his first over of the game, Pathirana went down to the ground after delivering the fourth ball to Australia captain and opener Mitchell Marsh. The unorthodox pacer clutched his left leg as he winced in pain. Commentators suggested that Pathirana could have injured his hamstring, but later it was confirmed as a muscle strain.

The physio came running to tend him. But it was clear that Pathirana wouldn’t be able to continue. He was helped off the field, with Dasun Shanaka coming to bowl the remaining 2 balls of the 3rd over.

Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan

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