Mathisha Pathirana is all set to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Sri Lanka. According to the report by RevSportz, the Lankan fast bowler is expected to join the IPL franchise by April 6 after completing the entire fitness process.
For Rs 18 crore, KKR bought Mathiesha Pathirana from the auction ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League. Due to the new guidelines issued by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the fast bowler has been gradually unsure about playing the league since the beginning. As of now, there is a strong possibility that KKR will play their first few IPL 2026 matches without the services of the slinger.
SLC makes strict fitness training mandatory for all key players
SLC has made it clear that they will not allow their players to participate in the league unless they achieve a certain fitness level. Due to this update, many Sri Lankan international cricketers including Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga are yet to link up with their respective IPL teams.
“Currently, the SLC is conducting an eight-week special physical training program for all nationally contracted players. This initiative aims to enhance the physical performance standards of the players in preparation for upcoming international assignments. Along with this programme, the players are also undergoing mandatory physical performance tests, which is a regular process to check the fitness standards of the players,” the Sri Lanka Cricket Board said in an official statement days ahead of the start of IPL 2026.
The statement further said, “Only those who successfully meet the required standards of physical performance tests will be approved to participate in the ongoing domestic tournaments and will also be given NOC to participate in IPL 2026.”
Why does Sri Lanka Cricket Board make fitness test mandatory for its stars?
On 21 March, ESPNcricinfo reported that the board had approved stricter player fitness guidelines, which may be in place to keep their key players ready for the team’s upcoming international assignments, which are due in late May.
“Sri Lanka are not scheduled to play another men’s international until at least the end of May, with the period identified as a training block during which nationally contracted players could raise fitness standards. Physical performance testing is believed to include a number of tests, including a 2 km sprint,” the media reported.
Which matches of IPL 2026 can Mathisha Pathirana miss?
Now, the latest claims suggest that the island nation’s star fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana may join Kolkata Knight Riders by April 6, which means he may miss two to three matches.
KKR is set to start its IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29, followed by a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2. They will face Punjab Kings on 6th April (Monday). If Mathisha Pathirana arrives by April 6, he is sure to miss the first two matches, and he may also miss the match against Punjab Kings.
Mathisha Pathirana suffered a calf injury during the T20 World Cup 2026. Since then he is recovering from it. It has been observed that both SLC and the bowlers are keen to make the rehabilitation as effective as possible.
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