As it was expected, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was dominating the IPL 2026 auction house, as they had the largest push. After picking up Cameron Green for a record amount, they did not hesitate to spend another big chunk of money for Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. KKR signed in Pathirana for a staggering amount of INR 18 crore at the IPL 2026 auction on Tuesday.

Multiple franchises were interested in the steamer. With a base price of INR 2 crore, Delhi Capitals opened the bid. Soon, the bid went past the 10 crore mark as Lucknow Super Giants was also all in to secure the service of the player. But when KKR joined the party, the picture was clear. They were desperate for the young pacer. Pathirana will join the Kolkata-based franchise for INR 18 crore. With his amount, he instantly became the highest-paid Sri Lankan player in the history of the tournament. 

Former India international Ravichandran Ashwin proved correct, as he predicted before that Kolkata could go all in for the pacer mainly because of his sling bowling action. KKR always has the intention to sign mystery bowlers. Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy all joined the franchise as the surprising bowlers. Pathirana will also fit in the bracket. 

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Record: Matheesha Pathirana becomes the most expensive Sri Lankan bowler in IPL history 

Ahead of the auction, Matheesha Pathirana picked up his form nicely. In the UAE’s ILT20 match, he took 4 for 19 in three overs. After this impressive bowling performance, he said that he is improving day by day. 

"I struggled a lot in the last few months and worked hard. But I’m still not in my best rhythm but improving, and this will improve my confidence. Actually, it's a very good point for us [Nissanka and other Sri Lankans doing well in T20 cricket], and we have a World Cup coming up in home conditions as well. I’m just doing my things and calming myself," Pathirana stated.