Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana will miss the remainder of the T20 World Cup 2026 after sustaining a calf injury, dealing a significant blow to the team’s campaign. The injury occurred during Sri Lanka’s group-stage clash against Australia in Pallekele, where Pathirana limped off the field just four balls into his spell, clutching his left leg. The team physio immediately assisted him off the field, and he did not return to bowl for the rest of the innings.
Batting coach Vikram Rathour confirmed that Pathirana has been declared unfit for the remainder of the tournament. “I believe he has been declared unfit for the remainder of the tournament. If it hasn’t been officially announced yet, I expect that update to be released soon,” Rathour said. Discussions regarding a replacement for the speedster are still ongoing, with no final decision yet announced.
Despite the setback, Sri Lanka have shown excellent form in the T20 World Cup, winning all three group-stage matches. They defeated Ireland by 20 runs and chased down 182 against Australia with ease, thanks to an unbeaten century from Pathum Nissanka, securing their place in the Super 8. The team now faces the challenge of maintaining momentum without their star pacer.
Pathirana’s injury, however, does not impact his participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). The Sri Lankan speedster was purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 18 crore in the December auction, and his IPL campaign is expected to proceed as planned once he recovers.
Sri Lanka will hope for a strong team performance in the Super 8 stage despite the absence of Pathirana, as they aim to continue their unbeaten run and remain title contenders in the T20 World Cup 2026.
