Chennai Super Kings have opted to release Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana ahead of IPL 2026, according to ESPNcricinfo. The franchise had been weighing his future despite buying him before IPL 2023 and retaining him for INR 13 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction. The decision surfaced on Saturday, just before the IPL retention window closed at 3pm.
Pathirana broke out in IPL 2023 with his slingy action and 140-plus pace, taking 19 wickets in CSK’s title-winning season. But injuries have repeatedly disrupted his progress, something MS Dhoni had cautioned about early on. A hamstring issue limited his IPL 2024, and he later cut short his SA20 stint with Joburg Super Kings. His 2025 season was modest, returning 13 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 10.13.
Head coach Stephen Fleming had hinted that changes made by Sri Lanka Cricket to Pathirana’s release point might have contributed to his reduced impact. CSK are expected to consider buying him back at the auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
The franchise will enter the auction with a sizable purse after releasing several players, including New Zealanders Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, and trading Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals for Sanju Samson.