The IPL 2026 campaign has hit a turbulent patch for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) even before finding its rhythm. While the team is already struggling with the absence of injured pacers Harshit Rana and Akash Deep, a new administrative crisis has emerged involving their star signing, Matheesha Pathirana. Bought for a staggering ₹18 crore in the auction, the Sri Lankan “Baby Malinga” is yet to receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from his national board.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has recently implemented a rigorous mandatory fitness policy for players seeking to participate in overseas franchise leagues. The evaluation includes grueling sprint tests and agility drills. Out of 45 centrally contracted players, Pathirana is among the 15 who reportedly failed to clear the initial benchmarks. Consequently, he has been denied permission to join the KKR squad until he meets the board’s stringent physical standards.

Pathirana, who suffered a calf muscle injury during the T20 World Cup, is gradually regaining match fitness, but the administrative roadblock remains. KKR management is hopeful that the pacer will clear his re-test scheduled for next week. If successful, Pathirana might join the camp by mid-April. In his absence, KKR’s bowling attack looks vulnerable, especially with veterans Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy struggling for form in the opening matches.