Kolkata Knight Riders’ downward spiral in IPL 2026 is showing no signs of easing, with each match adding to the pressure on the franchise. After suffering defeats in their opening two outings against Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, KKR’s latest scheduled game versus Punjab Kings was abandoned without a result due to rain. Off the field, the camp is also dealing with a fresh hurdle: Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana remains unavailable as he has not yet been granted the required No-Objection Certificate by Sri Lanka Cricket.
Pathirana’s NOC delay and Sri Lanka fitness situation
- Pathirana has not received his NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket, leaving his IPL participation uncertain.
- Sri Lanka Cricket has indicated that Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathirana are among 15 centrally contracted players who are yet to complete the mandatory fitness assessments.
- Six additional players have already attempted the fitness tests but failed at least once.
- Pathirana, who picked up a calf strain during the T20 World Cup 2026, has started bowling again in the nets.
- He is expected to be able to join the IPL in India by mid-April, depending on when the fitness formalities are completed.
- No fixed date has been announced for Pathirana’s fitness test, though it is anticipated to take place within the following week.
- Hasaranga, who has been picked up by Lucknow Super Giants, is managing a left hamstring issue.
- Hasaranga’s ability to feature is still unclear because he has not yet requested an NOC.
- At present, only 24 of Sri Lanka’s 45 centrally contracted players have cleared the fitness checks.
- The players missing the tests are said to be dealing with a mix of injury problems and logistical constraints.
- Before IPL 2026 began, Sri Lanka Cricket had stated that permission to take part would only be issued after players successfully pass the required Physical Performance Test.
KKR’s injury-driven reshuffle
With Pathirana’s situation adding to their woes, KKR’s squad has already been hit by other absences heading into and during IPL 2026. The franchise has lost pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who was withdrawn from the tournament, while Indian quicks Harshit Rana and Akash Deep have been sidelined due to injuries.
In the bowling unit’s reshuffle, Vaibhav Arora and Blessing Muzarabani have been asked to shoulder more responsibility. The 2024 champions, however, have struggled to make consistent impact with the ball so far in the ongoing season, and the latest fitness and availability concerns only underline how difficult the situation has become for KKR.
