Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 It has started, the teams have played two matches each so far. Ahead of the third match, there have been some updates on the Sri Lankan players who are part of the IPL franchise. According to a report in Cricbuzz, Wanindu Hasaranga, who was signed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at a base price of Rs 2 crore, is yet to join the team and has not given any indication as to when he will join.
On the other hand, fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 18 crore and is set to join the three-time IPL champions for the 19th edition of the tournament. Pathirana has undergone a fitness test in Sri Lanka and is expected to join from April 15-16. However, no official confirmation has been made.
Wanindu Hasaranga out of IPL 2026?
Wanindu Hasaranga Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is still yet to undergo fitness tests before granting IPL NOC to its players. According to the latest reports from Sri Lankan sources, Hasaranga batted but did not bowl in the Sri Lanka camp at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo last weekend.
There have been incidents where some IPL franchises believe that when foreign players are purchased at their base price, they do not perform, and they do not even appear for the season. Following protests by Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024, the IPL Governing Council implemented penalties for foreign players withdrawing after the auction.
IPL ban on Wanindu Hasaranga?
It states that if a foreign player withdraws from the IPL after being selected in the auction, then that player will be banned for three seasons and will have to come back in the mega auction.
Such an incident happened twice when harry brook There was Ben Duckett, who was withdrawn from the auction in 2025, and Ben Duckett this season, and in both the cases, the Delhi Capitals franchise suffered a loss.
A source close to him said, “We do not have any concrete update on Wanindu Hasaranga.” A similar reaction also came from a source at Lucknow Super Giants. As the source said, the franchise does not have any official information, and it would not be surprising if they try to get a replacement. According to Cricbuzz report, he has sought an update from SLC.
KKR needs the services of Mathisha Pathirana asap
KKR needs to hire the services of Mathisha Pathirana As soon as possible, because the franchise is struggling with death bowling at the moment, and he has been a brilliant bowler in the middle overs and death overs as well. Mathisha Pathirana’s best performance came under Dwayne Bravo at Chennai Super Kings, as Bravo is now the mentor of KKR.
On the other hand, LSG are not missing Wanindu Hasaranga much so far as their spin department has played a good role in some of the matches; However, his experience will be needed in the team in the latter half of the league.
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