Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out T20 World Cup 2026 after sustaining a calf injury, which will likely take several weeks to heal. The injury even raises minor doubts over his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. However, with over a month to go before the start of the tournament, Pathirana is expected to be fit in time.
Pathirana was in visible pain as he pinched his left leg after bowling the fourth delivery in Sri Lanka’s match against Australia at Pallekele on February 16. He left his over midway and did not return to bowl in the innings, leaving Dasun Shanaka for the remainder of the over.
Sri Lanka’s batting consultant Vikram Rathour confirmed the extent of Pathirana’s injury before the team’s final group stage match against Zimbabwe on February 19 in Colombo. Rathour stated that a replacement is being discussed.
“I think he has been declared unfit for the rest of the tournament. I think there will be news if that rules him out. As far as the replacement is concerned, it is still being discussed,” he told ESPNcricinfo.
Sri Lanka have a large group of pacers to choose from, even though Pathirana was undeniably their most powerful weapon, especially during the death overs. As it stands, medium pacer Nuwan Alsohara and left-arm pacers Dilshan Madhushanka and Binura Fernando are in the fray to replace Pathirana. Madhushanka has only recently returned to fitness after a lengthy injury layoff. Sri Lanka could also call up a batsman or spinner if the need arises.
After the match against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka will play England in the first Super 8 match in Pallekele on February 22 before meeting New Zealand in Colombo on February 25. Their opponent for the third match, in Pallekele on February 28, is yet to be confirmed.
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