Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana created history at the IPL 2026 mini-auction after being sold to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 18 crore, making him the most expensive Sri Lankan cricketer ever bought at an IPL auction.
Pathirana’s signing came after a high-intensity bidding war that saw Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) push his price beyond Rs 14 crore before KKR entered the contest at around Rs 16 crore. The three-way battle ended with KKR securing the pacer at Rs 18 crore, setting a new benchmark for Sri Lankan players in IPL history.
The 22-year-old rose to prominence during his stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), whom he represented from 2022 to 2025. Known for his distinctive sling-shot action, Pathirana established himself as one of the most effective death bowlers in the league. In 32 IPL matches, he has taken 47 wickets at an average of 21.62 and an economy rate of 8.68, with best figures of 4 for 28.
His breakthrough season came in IPL 2023, when he played a vital role in CSK’s title-winning campaign, picking up 19 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 8.01. Although injuries hampered his 2024 season and his economy rate rose in 2025, franchises continued to value his wicket-taking ability in the death overs.
Pathirana entered the IPL 2026 auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore, but demand for elite death bowlers saw his price skyrocket. With this Rs 18 crore deal, he surpassed all previous Sri Lankan auction records, underlining his status as one of the most sought-after fast bowlers in the IPL.
The record-breaking signing places Pathirana at the centre of KKR’s bowling plans as they head into IPL 2026.
