The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are anxiously waiting for their star recruit, Matheesa Pathirana, as a hurdle from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) delays his IPL 2026 journey. Despite being bought for a whopping 18 crore, the pacer is yet to join the Knight Riders’ camp. The primary roadblock? SLC’s newly implemented mandatory fitness policy for contracted players.

Pathirana, who sustained a calf muscle injury during the T20 World Cup, is reportedly recovering but hasn’t undergone the official fitness test required by his national board. Out of 45 contracted Sri Lankan players, only 24 have cleared the test so far, leaving Pathirana among the 15 yet to be certified. KKR’s bowling department is already struggling with injuries, making his presence crucial for the team’s balance.

Sources suggest that Pathirana might land in India next week, provided he clears the fitness drills. Known for his lethal spells with Chennai Super Kings in previous seasons, his absence is a major concern for KKR’s management. For now, the “Baby Malinga” is focusing on workload management, and his IPL debut for KKR hinges entirely on SLC’s green signal.