CSK Likely to Release Matheesha Pathirana Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Chennai Super Kings are reportedly set to release Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana before the IPL 2026 auction. The move comes after a disappointing IPL 2025 season from him and continuing injury issues. CSK had retained Pathirana for a hefty ₹13 crore ahead of last year’s mega auction, but now the franchise is willing to move on from him.

According to ESPNcricinfo, CSK is thinking about releasing Pathirana, and this news has come out just before the retention deadline at 3 PM on November 15. The report says CSK might try to buy him back at the IPL 2026 mini-auction for a lower price.

CSK Likely to Release Pathirana Before IPL 2026 Auction

The auction is set to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16. CSK, the five-time champions, are also likely to release New Zealand players Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Pathirana fared rather poorly in IPL 2025, managing to pick up 13 wickets in 12 matches, at an economy rate over 10.

Earlier during the season, head coach Stephen Fleming had expressed concerns over the drop in impact that the pacer could make and had accused the Sri Lanka Cricket board of tampering with his action, leading to the result. 

Pathirana made his IPL debut for CSK in 2022. His best season was in 2023, when CSK won their fifth title and he took 19 wickets in 12 matches. In IPL 2024, he had to leave the tournament midway after playing only 6 games.

If CSK let go of Pathirana, they’ll have more money to use at the IPL 2026 auction. On top of that, the team has already traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.