Matheesha Pathirana cleared to Join Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026

Published

14 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders received a timely boost when Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that their star recruit Matheesha Pathirana is “fit and ready to join the IPL”, easing concerns over the franchise’s depleted pace resources ahead of the new season.

Amid speculation over the slinger’s availability, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Bandula Dissanayake said that the pacer has completed his rehabilitation and has been granted the necessary clearance.

“As far as I know, he’s fit and we have given him NOC to participate in the IPL, that’s all I know at this point of time,” Dissanayake said.

“He has completed rehab and he is fit. But the franchise will be tasked to assess his readiness. At the moment we don’t know anything about that. As far as we know he is fit and ready to join IPL.”

However, there is still no confirmation on when Pathirana will link up with the squad which will leave for Mumbai on March 25 to for their opening match against Mumbai Indians on March 29.

They next play three back to back home matches at Eden Gardens against Sunrisers Hyderabad (April 2), Punjab Kings (April 6) and Lucknow Super Giants (April 9).

Bought for Rs 18 crore (Rs 180 million), Pathirana has been recovering from a calf strain sustained during the T20 World Cup clash against Australia, where he limped off after completing his four overs.

Known as “Baby Malinga” for his effectiveness at the death, he is a product of the Chennai Super Kings’ set-up, and has developed into a specialist T20 bowler.

He has played 32 matches for Chennai Super Kings since making his debut in 2022, picking up 47 wickets.

KKR’s pace bowling concerns

KKR’s pace department has already been hit hard ahead of the season.

The franchise is without Harshit Rana, who is recovering from a ligament strain in his right knee, while left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman had to be released earlier this year following a BCCI directive, prompting KKR to rope in Zimbabwe quick Blessing Muzarabani as his replacement.

Meanwhile, on the second day of the camp, former Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals pacer Akash Madhwal and former Royal Challengers Bengaluru quick Navdeep Saini were seen giving trials alongside Simarjeet Singh.

The squad is also set to be bolstered with the arrival of New Zealand trio Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra later on Thursday.

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Los Angeles Knight Riders unveil home ground in southern California

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Staff Reporter

The Los Angeles Knight Riders on Thursday unveiled the Knight Riders Cricket Field at Fairplex in Pomona, California, which is set to serve as their base for the upcoming season of Major League Cricket in the United States.

While the venue has been identified as the franchise’s official ground, it is expected to host LA Knight Riders’ home matches during the fourth season of the league slated from June 18-July 18.

The fourth MLC will feature 34 matches across six teams, with Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas set to host the opening phase.

Bollywood superstar and co-owner of Knight Riders Sports Shah Rukh Khan said: “Over the years, the Knight Riders have grown into a truly global family, and every new milestone is special for us.”

“Seeing the Los Angeles Knight Riders have a home of their own with the Knight Riders Cricket is incredibly exciting. The USA is a great sporting market with passionate fans.

Strengthening the footprint

“We hope this field becomes a place where people come together to celebrate the game and support the team. I’m really looking forward to this new chapter for the Knight Riders in Los Angeles,” added Shah Rukh Khan.

Knight Riders Sports CEO Venky Mysore said the development as a key step in strengthening the franchise’s footprint in the US.

“Los Angeles is one of the world’s most dynamic sports markets and an important home for the Knight Riders brand. Establishing the Knight Riders Cricket Field is a major milestone for our franchise,” he said.

Fairplex president and CEO Walter M Marquez also welcomed the collaboration.

“Fairplex continues to seek new experiences that are unique to Southern California and the Knight Riders will create the field where community will come together and celebrate,” he said.

IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan to lead SRH in Pat Cummins absence

Published

2 days ago

March 18, 2026

Staff Reporter

Australia’s white-ball captain Pat Cummins will miss the opening matches of IPL 2026 due to a back injury, forcing Sunrisers Hyderabad to appoint a temporary leader. India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will take charge in his absence, with Abhishek Sharma named vice-captain.

Cummins sidelined with back injury

SRH confirmed that Cummins will sit out “a few games” as he recovers from a back problem picked up ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes.

The seaming all-rounder played only one match in the Ashes before missing the rest of the series. He was also unavailable for the 2026 T20 World Cup due to the same issue.

Kishan to lead SRH

In Cummins’ absence, Kishan has been handed the captaincy role, while swashbuckling opener Abhishek will assist him as deputy.

The franchise announced the decision officially, stating that the arrangement will remain in place until Cummins regains full fitness.

Strong form backs Kishan’s elevation

Kishan’s appointment comes on the back of consistent performances in domestic and international cricket.

He led Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in 2025, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 517 runs. He also impressed in India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign in 2026, scoring 317 runs.

After being signed by SRH for Rs 14.5 crore (Rs 145 million) ahead of IPL 2025, Kishan made an immediate impact with a century on debut and went on to score 354 runs in the season.

Afghanistan Cricketers criticise Pakistan for air strikes at Kabul Hospital

Published

4 days ago

March 17, 2026

Staff Reporter

Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of carrying out a targeted airstrike on a hospital for drug users in Kabul late on Monday night, claiming the attack killed at least 400 people.

Several players from Afghanistan’s national cricket team have condemned reported civilian casualties following airstrikes in Kabul attributed to Pakistan.

Senior Afghanistan Player Rashid Khan said on online that he felt extremely upset and heartbroken to see so many civilians of his country dead, especially the innocents and the kids. He said that attacking hospitals is extremely wrong. Mohammed Nabi also said something similar to Rashid. And for your information, this whole problem happened during a very peaceful festival in Muslim culture. This happened during the Ramadan season.

Many other Afghan cricketers spoke about this situation and showed their support to the victims of Pakistan’s cruel acts.

But, even after all of this, Pakistan refused that they had done this. They said that they only wanted to target terrorist, not hospitals and civilians.