New Delhi: Sri Lanka have suffered another big blow to their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign as star player Matheesha Pathirana seems to be doubtful for the remainder of the marquee event. Pathirana suffered a hamstring injury in the clash against Australia and could not complete his first over hobbling off the pitch at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
This seems to the be the second blow for the side which has already lost Wanindu Hasaranga due to injury. Sri Lanka have been in a superb form as they thrashed Australia in their group clash to make it to the Super Eight stage. As per reports in Sri Lankan media, Pathirana’s scans are yet to arrive, but given the extent of the injury, the team management feels it might take 3-4 weeks for him to recover.
Pathirana doubtful for remaining T20 WC matches
With the T20 spectacle ending on March 8, he looks to be in doubt to play the remaining matches for the island nation. In addition, this injury has also cast a slight doubt on his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting in the last week of March. If he goes on to miss some games of the cash-rich league, it will be a major dent to 2025-winner Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign as they had to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad, while Harshit Rana remains a doubt after he underwent surgery.
SLC’s statement
Sri Lanka Cricket issued a statement: ‘Matheesha Pathirana experienced discomfort in his left leg calf while bowling during the match and was unable to continue. He will not bowl further in this game. A scan will be conducted tomorrow to determine the extent of the injury.’
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan management is considering to bring Wanindu Hasaranga back into the squad later in the tournament. Though he is yet to fully recover from his hamstring injury, the team is considering his return if he manages to regain fitness in time.