In what must be gladdening news for Kolkata Knight Riders, Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana has been declared fit to play in the upcoming 19th season of the Indian Premier League that kicks off on March 28.
During Sri Lanka’s group T20 World Cup match against Australia, the fast bowler picked up a calf strain and didn’t participate in the rest of the tournament. Sri Lanka suffered big time because of that, having already lost Wanindu Hasaranga to injury earlier in the tournament. They lost all their matches in the Super 8s.
The 23-year-old has been given the go-ahead to participate in the high-profile league from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after he had recovered through rehabilitation.
Pathirana is a very skilled T20 bowler, and the Knight Riders will be pleased to hear the news of his full recovery, and that he is available for selection. They spent ₹18 crore for his services at the last auction.
KKR will start their campaign on March 29 against five-time champions Mumbai Indians, at the Wankhede Stadium. On April 2 and 6, they host Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings at the Eden Gardens. On April 9, they play Lucknow Super Giants. The entire IPL schedule is not out yet owing to the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam.
