Major setback for Kolkata Knight Riders as Sri Lankan pacer denied NOC for Indian Premier League 2026

While the IPL 2026 is merely more than one week away from beginning, the three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have suffered another major blow, as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has denied the NOC for a player. 

According to recent reports, Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana has been denied NOC for the IPL 2026, as the 23-year-old right-arm fast bowler is likely to remain unavailable at least early in the IPL 2026.

KKR have signed Matheesha Pathirana for INR 18 crore through the IPL 2026 auction, as there was an intense battle between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants before KKR joined later to snatch the winning bid. 

See Also: Chennai Super Kings suffer major blow as key pacer ruled out of IPL 2026

Why Sri Lanka Cricket refused NOC ahead of Indian Premier League 2026

While seven Sri Lankan cricketers have been selected for the IPL 2026, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Dushmantha Chameera have reportedly received NOC for the IPL, while Nuwan Thushara is also expected to earn it. 

Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, and Wanindu Hasaranga were dropped from the Lankan team during the recently concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 due to injuries. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wants to confirm full fitness from these players to provide them with the NOC for the IPL 2026, as their fitness can worsen if the cricketers play IPL matches without getting completely fit for the matches.

During the first round group stage match against Australia in the T20 World Cup 2026, Matheesha had a muscle strain in his left leg. Later, Dilshan Madushanka replaced him for the remainder of the tournament. 

Impact on Kolkata Knight Riders squad plans for IPL 2026

KKR is the new team for Matheesha Pathirana, who previously played for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the last four seasons. The right-arm fast bowler has impressed with his early IPL performances, as he has recorded 47 wickets in 32 IPL matches. 

As KKR are set to miss the right-arm fast bowler Harshit Rana for significant matches of the IPL 2026, Matheesha Pathirana's absence will hurt them more. With his absence, Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani, who highly impressed in the T20 World Cup 2026, has come in more important position for the franchise. Muzarabani has been signed after the auction as the replacement for Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman. 

According to the reports, KKR haven't asked for the replacements for the injured Harshit and Matheesha, as the franchise still believes that both of them can still play significant roles for the team later in the tournament.