IPL 2026: Pathirana Secures Sri Lanka NOC, Brings Relief to KKR Camp

However, there may be some positive news regarding Kolkata Knight Riders performance in the current season of the tournament. The fast bowler, Matheesha Pathirana, has finally gotten his NOC from the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. He will soon be able to report back to the team.

Matheesha Pathirana Set to Join KKR After NOC Approval Boosts IPL 2026 Campaign

During this season, several Sri Lankan players have faced numerous issues in obtaining their NOCs. Their cricket board has been extremely strict, particularly with injured players. Moreover, Pathirana was also one of the injured players in the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. During one of the matches against Australia, he bowled only a few deliveries and had to retire. Then, he took some time to regain his fitness level.

However, KKR has already been waiting for him since the beginning. Shane Watson, the coach of KKR, stated that they were awaiting updates from Sri Lanka Cricket. Pathirana was spotted playing in the nets recently. That has been positive news. With everything sorted out for the NOC, he should soon get into the team.

This has been a tough season for KKR, which has lost many bowlers. Players like Harshit Rana and Akash Deep have been ruled out of the team. The exit of Mustafizur Rahman from the side has made things even more difficult.

With that, KKR is still without any victories. Their previous game against the Punjab Kings was called off due to bad weather. The side is now in Chennai, preparing for their upcoming game against CSK on April 14.

Pathirana might soon get into the team in Chennai. Once he does, fans will have the chance to watch him back in action. However, before that happens, KKR will lock horns with the Gujarat Titans on April 17.

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