Matheesha Pathirana has secured a No-Objection Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket and is expected to link up with the Kolkata Knight Riders camp, with the return potentially arriving just in time for the franchise’s next assignment. The 23-year-old fast bowler could be available for selection as early as Kolkata’s upcoming match against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on April 14. Pathirana’s return is set to be particularly notable because it will bring him back to face the team associated with his earlier stint, after he missed the opening phase of the tournament.
The right-arm quick had been sidelined by a calf injury picked up during the T20 World Cup held just before the IPL. Since that setback, he has been working his way back to full fitness and now appears to be ready to re-enter competitive cricket following the board’s clearance. For Kolkata, who have been dealing with multiple bowling setbacks—including the departures of Harshit Rana and Akash Deep—the decision not to name a replacement for Pathirana initially kept the door open while they monitored his rehabilitation closely.
Kolkata were also understood to be in regular contact with Sri Lanka Cricket to stay updated on the recovery timeline. With Pathirana now fit enough to be considered for games, his inclusion is viewed as a timely boost for a side that currently sits at the bottom of the points table. Kolkata have lost three matches so far, with one fixture ending without a result due to a washed-out outcome. In Pathirana’s absence, Blessing Muzarabani had been the only overseas pace option to feature for them, with Muzarabani coming in as cover for Mustafizur Rahman, who was unavailable at the time.
During the matches where Kolkata have been without Pathirana, contributions from other bowling resources have also been important. In their most recent game, Cam Green added to the effort with the ball as well, after having been used purely as a batter in the first three outings of the season. With Pathirana returning to the fold, Kolkata will now be looking to strengthen their pace attack and add a sharper edge with his slingy deliveries and yorkers—tools that have made him a difficult bowler to handle at the death.
