Sri Lanka cricket team are likely to be dealt with a huge blow amid the T20 World Cup 2026 as Matheesha Pathirana is set to be sidelined for three weeks. The pacer limped off the field after sustaining a hamstring injury in the game against Australia. Now, reports suggest that Pathirana is set to be on the sidelines for at least three weeks owing to the injury.
Pathirana ruled out of T20 World Cup
As per a Sri Lankan journalist, Sri Lanka are awaiting the scan reports of Pathirana but suspect that the pacer could be out of action for at least three weeks. The report states that Binura Fernando or Dilshan Madhushanka could replace him in Sri Lanka’s squad for the T20 World Cup and that the replacement will be sought on Wednesday. The ICC Technical Committee will have to approve Sri Lanka Cricket’s request after considering the case. The report also states that the other options include Nuwan Thushara and Milan Rathnayake.
Pathirana’s injury will not only come as a blow for Sri Lanka but also for his IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR had bagged the former CSK pacer for a whooping Rs 18 crore. With Mustafizur Rahman released and Harshit Rana all set to miss a part of IPL 2026, the Sri Lankan pacer’s injury comes as the latest blow for KKR. Given Pathirana’s history of injuries and his recovery period, he could might as well take over 3 weeks to return to action.
Bowling his first over of the game, Pathirana went down to the ground after delivering the fourth ball to Australia captain and opener Mitchell Marsh. The unorthodox pacer clutched his left leg as he winced in pain. Commentators suggested that Pathirana could have injured his hamstring. The physio came running to tend him. But it was clear that Pathirana wouldn’t be able to continue. He was helped off the field, with Dasun Shanaka coming to bowl the remaining 2 balls of the 3rd over.
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