Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has released Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, bringing an end to a three-season association with the franchise. Pathirana was first signed ahead of IPL 2023 and later retained before the 2025 mega auction for Rs. 13 crore.

Pathirana made an immediate impact in 2023 with his slingy release, steep bounce, and ability to swing the ball at 140-plus. He took 19 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 8.01 as CSK lifted the title, prompting then captain MS Dhoni to caution Sri Lanka Cricket about managing the young quick’s workload carefully.

Pathirana has battled recurring injuries since, and although he returned briefly at the Asia Cup this September, his IPL involvement kept shrinking. A hamstring injury cut short his IPL 2024 campaign, and he later withdrew midway from the SA20 with Joburg Super Kings.

The pacer was retained for Rs. 13 crore ahead of the 2025 season. But in IPL 2025, he was below his best, finishing with 13 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 10.13.

Published on Nov 15, 2025