Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made a surprise last-minute move after the historic Ravindra Jadeja-Sanju Samson-Sam Curran trade deal as they have decided to release Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathiesha Pathirana just hours before the IPL 2026 retention deadline on Saturday, November 15.
The five-time IPL champions had spent a huge sum of Rs 13 crore to sign Mathisha Pathirana ahead of IPL 2023 and then retained the youngster ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. But the CSK team management has now decided to part ways after several weeks of internal discussions.
CSK part ways with star Mathisha Pathirana worth Rs 13 crore ahead of IPL 2026 auction
Pathirana’s journey with Chennai Super Kings started with a bang. His sling action, fast pace above 140 kmph and sharp swing made him one of the most dangerous young bowlers in the IPL. He took 19 wickets in just 12 matches and played a big role in CSK’s title win in 2023.
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However, Pathirana’s IPL 2024 campaign was cut short due to a hamstring problem, and then by IPL 2025, struggles were visible as he managed only 13 wickets in 12 matches and scored more than 10 runs per over. With the retention window closing at 3pm, Chennai Super Kings have finally taken the tough decision to move Pathirana after injuries hampered his progress.
Chennai Super Kings vacate space as ₹120 crore limit approaches
Chennai Super Kings have parted ways with Mathiesha Pathirana but the franchise is set to try to re-sign the Sri Lankan pacer in the IPL 2026 auction, which is scheduled to be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, reports ESPN Cricinfo.
Pathirana’s release has increased CSK’s purse, which has also parted ways with New Zealand pair Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Earlier, they sent Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson in a blockbuster trade deal.
With the next IPL being a mini-auction, teams have the freedom to keep as many players as they want. However, there are still two strict limits that they must adhere to. Each team can have only 25 players, and each team must build its lineup within a total budget of ₹120 crore.
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Devon Conway bids emotional goodbye to Chennai
Meanwhile, Devon Conway has officially confirmed that he is leaving Chennai Super Kings, ending his three-year journey with the franchise. Conway joined Chennai Super Kings for ₹1 crore ahead of the 2022 season. His best season came in 2023, when the New Zealander scored 672 runs in 16 matches, becoming one of the architects behind Chennai’s fifth IPL title win.
However, a thumb injury ruled him out of IPL 2024, but Chennai Super Kings retained him for ₹6.25 crore. However, things did not go as expected and Conway could only play six matches in 2025, scoring 156 runs. Well, just before the deadline, Conway shared photos from his time with the franchise on social media and thanked the team and fans for their support and memories.
He posted, x: “Thank you to all the loyal CSK fans for 3 years of amazing support. “
Thank you to all the loyal CSK fans for the amazing 3 years of support@ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/7W9sYMErEy
– Devon Conway (@D_Conway88) 14 November 2025
