Matheesha Pathirana begins recovery after successful hamstring surgery following IPL setback

Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has undergone surgery in France to repair a serious injury to his left hamstring sustained during the IPL and forced him out of competitive cricket. Doctors performed the procedure successfully, and Pathirana has now started the rehabilitation phase of his recovery.

The hamstring injury also ruled Pathirana out of Sri Lanka’s recent tour of the West Indies. Sri Lanka played a white-ball series comprising three ODIs and three T20Is. The absence of one of Sri Lanka’s leading fast bowlers was a major setback for the touring side, who lost the recent T20I series by a margin of 1-2.

Sri Lanka Pacer Matheesha Pathirana Undergoes Successful Operation in France

Amila Kalugalage, manager of Matheesha Pathirana, confirmed that the surgery was completed successfully and said the Sri Lanka fast bowler has now begun his recovery process in France. He also thanked Sri Lanka Cricket and Kolkata Knight Riders for supporting the pacer throughout his treatment and rehabilitation.

“Matheesha has successfully undergone a left biceps femoris open surgical hamstring repair and has now begun the road to recovery in France. We are grateful to Sri Lanka Cricket and Kolkata Knight Riders for their outstanding support and commitment to his wellbeing throughout this process.”

Kalugalage shared the update on June 16, along with a photograph of Pathirana recovering in a hospital bed. The young fast bowler arrived late for IPL 2026 after recovering from a calf strain sustained during the T20 World Cup.

Matheesha Pathirana Receives Strong Backing During Recovery Process

Amila Kalugalage backed Matheesha Pathirana to recover strongly from the setback. He expressed confidence in the bowler’s commitment and said the rehabilitation period would help him return to full fitness and resume his career at the highest level.

“He will work hard, stay focused and be back doing what he loves soon. We look forward to seeing him back on the field stronger than ever.”

Kolkata Knight Riders signed the Sri Lanka pacer for INR 18 crore ahead of IPL 2026. After completing fitness assessments with the franchise and receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket, the fast bowler was cleared to join the tournament only during the later stages of the season.

Pathirana played just one match for KKR, against Gujarat Titans on May 16, 2026. However, he suffered a left biceps femoris hamstring injury after bowling only eight deliveries. KKR later named uncapped Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter Luvnith Sisodia as his replacement for the remainder of the tournament.

Sri Lanka Cricket and KKR Backed Matheesha Pathirana Throughout Recovery Process

Pathirana will remain in France for a structured rehabilitation program under specialist supervision. Neither SLC nor his management team has announced a timeline for his return. Medical experts will continue to monitor his progress before deciding when he can resume bowling and return to competitive cricket.

Amila Kalugalage praised the support provided by Sri Lanka Cricket and Kolkata Knight Riders throughout the treatment process. He said the backing from both organizations has allowed Pathirana to focus fully on his recovery without additional pressure during a challenging period in his career.

“This journey was made possible with the outstanding support of Sri Lanka Cricket and Kolkata Knight Riders and we are truly grateful for their commitment to his wellbeing,” Kalugalage said.