Sri Lanka have received a significant blow in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as their key pacer, Matheesha Pathirana, has been officially ruled out of the tournament. The young pacer suffered a muscle strain during Sri Lanka’s match against Australia, which has raised serious doubts about his participation in the IPL 2026 as well.
Matheesha Pathirana Injury: What Happened?
The injury happened only four balls into Pathirana’s spell. Matheesha Pathirana was bowling the third over against Australia when he injured himself. He was seen in obvious pain after bowling a ball to the Australian captain, Mitchell Marsh.
The right-arm pacer immediately held his left leg, which sparked concerns about a hamstring problem. Although there was initial commentary about a possible hamstring tear, later assessments confirmed that it was a muscle strain.
Despite receiving on-field treatment, Matheesha Pathirana was unable to continue playing and had to be helped off the field. The remaining balls of the over were bowled by the Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka.
Official Confirmation from ICC
The ICC Technical Committee has confirmed that Pathirana has been ruled out of the remaining T20 World Cup 2026. He has been replaced in the team by the left-arm pacer Dilshan Madhushanka. It is reported that Pathirana may be out of action for at least three weeks, but his return may take longer.
IPL 2026 Cloud: Big Blow for Kolkata Knight Riders
The injury to Matheesha Pathirana is not only a worry for Sri Lanka but also for his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The two-time IPL winners had invested heavily in the Sri Lankan pacer, buying him for a whopping INR 18 crore before the start of the 2026 season.
The KKR bowling lineup is already clouded with doubts:
Mustafizur Rahman has been released
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Harshit Rana is likely to miss the IPL 2026
Pathirana’s injury history and the average time required for muscle strain recovery make his IPL 2026 participation uncertain. If his recovery takes longer than the expected three weeks, KKR might have to re-evaluate their pace bowling lineup.
Impact on Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup Campaign
The loss of Matheesha Pathirana at this juncture of the tournament is a major setback for the Sri Lankan bowling lineup. Pathirana has been known for his sling action and death-over bowling skills, and he has been an important part of the T20 setup of the team.
Sri Lanka will have to look to Dilshan Madhushanka and their experienced fast bowlers to perform at the Super 8 level.
Sri Lanka Squad for T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8
Here is Sri Lanka’s updated squad:
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 Madhushanka
Pramod Madushan
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