Kolkata Knight Riders have suffered another blow in Indian Premier League 2026, as Matheesha Pathirana is still awaiting clearance from his board, adding to the team’s ongoing struggles.
Kolkata Knight Riders are enduring a tough run in the Indian Premier League 2026, with losses to Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, while their match against Punjab Kings was washed out.
Injury concerns have already troubled the squad, and the continued absence of Matheesha Pathirana—who is yet to receive clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket—has added to their struggles.
A report by ESPNcricinfo states that Sri Lanka Cricket is yet to clear several players, including Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga, as they haven’t completed mandatory fitness tests.
Pathirana, recovering from a calf injury suffered during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, has resumed training and could join the Indian Premier League by mid-April, pending clearance. Meanwhile, Hasaranga—signed by Lucknow Super Giants—is also doubtful due to a hamstring injury.
So far, only 24 of Sri Lanka’s 45 contracted players have passed fitness tests, with injuries and logistical issues causing delays. SLC has mandated that players must clear these tests to receive a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for IPL participation.
For Kolkata Knight Riders, the situation is worsening. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, the team is already missing Mustafizur Rahman and injured Indian pacers Harshit Rana and Akash Deep.
With only Vaibhav Arora and Blessing Muzarabani leading the pace attack, KKR’s bowling unit has struggled, worsening their campaign in IPL 2026.
