New Delhi: Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is all set to miss the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), it was confirmed on Friday. KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar, while confirming Harshit Rana’s exit from the cash-rich league, also spoke about the Sri Lankan fast bowler.

Nayar said that Pathirana, who was earlier cleared to participate in the T20 tournament, will take part in the league but only in mid-April. The 19th edition of the league starts from March 28 and KKR opening their campaign a day later on March 29 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. Earlier, Pathirana was ruled out of the 2026 T20 World Cup due to a calf strain.

The Sri Lankan player is still undergoing rehabilitation for the same issue under the supervision of Sri Lanka Cricket and is yet to receive the final NOC for IPL participation. He featured in just three matches in the marquee tournament before being helped off the field during the game against Australia.

Nayar confirms development in press conference

‘The latest update that we know is he’s obviously with the Sri Lankan cricket board and they took out his rehab,’ Nayar said during KKR’s pre-season press conference.

‘And the latest communication that we’ve had is, hopefully, somewhere mid-April is when they feel he’ll be match fit. That’s what we know as of now.’

His absence in the early stages means an initial blow to KKR’s campaign bowling plans as the franchise had invested INR 18 crore on the 23-year-old at the auction after he was released by five-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Nayar further indicated that the team is already exploring options to fill Rana’s role as he would be out of the entire tournament.