IPL 2026: Pathirana Receives NOC from SLC, to Play for KKR

Emerging reports claim that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) gave their greenlight to Matheesha Pathirana regarding his participation in the IPL. These reports suggest that Pathirana now has a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from SLC in his possession. Receiving this document grants Pathirana permission from his national cricket board to represent the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise at IPL 2026.

Pathirana is among the last players who received the NOC document from SLC to feature in franchise cricket this calendar year.

Why is the SLC Handing Out NOCs to Players?

The cricket board introduced a new regulation that requires all players under national contract to seek a NOC before moving on to represent franchises in limited-overs competition. Several Sri Lankan players secured clearance from SLC before going on to play IPL cricket this season.

What Did the SLC Require from Players for a NOC?

The cricket board required all players under central contract to undergo mandatory fitness tests before proceeding to receive clearance for overseas franchise cricket. All SL cricketers had to undergo tests under SLC-sanctioned personnel before receiving a NOC from the cricket board. 

Matheesha Pathirana Last 10 Matches

Fans worry that Pathirana’s lack of game time may hurt KKR’s chances of securing a 4th IPL title this season. The bowler last played competitive cricket in mid-February against Australia during the T20 World Cup 2026.

Other expressions of worry among fans also receive backing from Pathirana’s wicket drought in recent matches. The cricketer has no scalp under his belt since his 2/26 against Ireland in early February 2026.

His best spell in recent outings was a 3/19 in mid-December 2025.

Matheesha Pathirana IPL Bowling Stats

Pathirana’s debut IPL season got off to a slow start in 2022. He secured a couple of scalps that season off 52 balls, but his subsequent numbers attracted significant attention. 19 wickets in the following season put Pathirana on the radar of several top franchises. His wicket-taking form has been decent in recent seasons with at least 13 wickets per edition on record for Pathirana since 2023.

Pathirana’s recent clearance will provide a much-needed scalping boost for KKR as they seek to challenge for another IPL title.

Matheesha Pathirana IPL Auction Price So Far (2022 – 2026)

The skilled Sri Lankan bowler debuted as an IPL player in 2022 with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) through a Rs. 20 lakh deal. CSK secured his services for two more seasons at the same auction price before upping his pay to Rs. 13 crores before IPL 2025. Pathirana made a big money move to KKR this season, with the franchise paying Rs. 18 crores to secure his signature.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Shock as Nitish Rana Gets Fined after Fiery Umpire Face-Off

Matheesha Pathirana Last 10 IPL Matches

Pathirana is set to debut for KKR in 2026 anytime soon. It is clear his long wait to join the IPL fray this season triggers mixed expectations among fans. His last appearance in an IPL match before the 2026 season came against the Gujarat Titans (GT).

Pathirana bagged a wicket but his haul was not enough to provide CSK the boost they sought to achieve IPL glory last season.