Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana triggered one of the fiercest bidding battles of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, eventually being snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 18 crore, making him the most expensive Sri Lankan player in IPL auction history.
The bidding for Pathirana gathered pace quickly, with his price crossing Rs 14 crore early as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) went head-to-head for the death-overs specialist. The contest intensified further when KKR entered the race at around Rs 16 crore, shifting the dynamics of the auction. After a brief but dramatic three-way tussle, KKR outbid their rivals to secure Pathirana at Rs 18 crore.
Pathirana entered the auction after being released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), ending a three-season association with the franchise. He made his IPL debut in 2022 and quickly earned a reputation for his unique sling-shot action and ability to deliver under pressure at the death.
IPL career so far
Across 32 IPL matches, Pathirana has picked up 47 wickets at an impressive average of 21.62 and an economy rate of 8.68, with best figures of 4 for 28. His standout season came in IPL 2023, when he played a key role in CSK’s title-winning campaign, taking 19 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 8.01.
However, recurring injuries disrupted his 2024 season, while IPL 2025 proved challenging, as he managed 13 wickets in 12 matches at a higher economy rate of 10.14. Despite CSK retaining him for Rs 13 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction, the franchise released him before IPL 2026 to manage purse flexibility.
Entering the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore, Pathirana’s value skyrocketed due to his proven death-bowling credentials. With KKR sealing the deal at Rs 18 crore, the Sri Lankan pacer now holds a historic auction record and becomes a central figure in KKR’s bowling plans for IPL 2026.