Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana is almost certain to be ruled out of the T20 World Cup, after scans revealed a calf strain that may take several weeks to heal. His IPL availability is understood to not be under threat at this stage.

Pathirana had gone down clutching his left leg after bowling his fourth delivery in Sri Lanka's match against Australia in Pallekele, before being helped off the field. He did not return to bowl in that innings.

Vikram Rathour, Sri Lanka's batting consultant, confirmed the severity of Pathirana's injury on Wednesday, ahead of their final group match against Zimbabwe. "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."

Pathirana is arguably Sri Lanka's best death bowler. He is also the fastest of the island's quicks. However, Sri Lanka have several options to choose a replacement from: left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka has recently returned to match fitness after a long injury layoff but has a modest T20I record, left-arm seamer Binura Fernando and round-arm slinger Nuwan Thushara are also being considered. Batting and spin-bowling options are under discussion too.

Sri Lanka play England in Pallekele, New Zealand at Khettarama, and a third as-yet-undetermined opponent in Pallekele again, during the Super Eight stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup