Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is set to be ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 after picking up a calf strain, which is likely to take several weeks to heal. The injury even casts minor doubts over his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. However, with more than a month to go before the commencement of the tournament, Pathirana is expected to be fit in time.
Pathirana was in visible pain as he clutched his left leg after bowling the fourth delivery in Sri Lanka’s fixture against Australia in Pallekele on February 16. He left his over midway through and did not return to bowl in the innings, with Dasun Shanaka completing 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 clash against Zimbabwe on February 19 in Colombo. Rathour stated that a replacement is being discussed.
“I think he’s been declared unfit for the rest of the tournament. I think that news will be coming out, if it’s ruling him out. As far as the replacement is concerned, it’s still being discussed,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Sri Lanka have a wide cast of pacers to choose from, even if Pathirana was unarguably their most potent weapon, especially in the death overs. As it stands, medium pacer Nuwan Thushara and left-arm pacers Dilshan Madhushanka and Binura Fernando are in contention to replace Pathirana. Madhushanka only recently regained fitness after a prolonged injury layoff. Sri Lanka could also call up a batter or spinner if the need arises.
After the clash against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka will play England in the first Super 8 clash 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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