Matheesha Pathirana likely to be ruled out of 2026 T20 World Cup
February 18, 2026 10:28 am
Speedster Matheesha Pathirana is likely to miss the remainder of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup due to the calf injury he sustained while bowling against Australia on Monday (16).
Pathirana suffered a calf injury during the Group B encounter of the World Cup against Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
After delivering the fourth ball of his opening over, 23-year-old Pathirana grabbed his left leg and collapsed to the ground.
Sri Lankan team physios rushed in to attend to him and he was eventually taken off the field, unable to walk unassisted, which is a sign the injury could be serious.
In his absence, skipper Dasun Shanaka stepped up and completed the over.
Sri Lanka Cricket then confirmed that Matheesha Pathirana who experienced discomfort in his left leg calf while bowling will not take any part of the Australia encounter.
In order to determine the extent of the injury, Pathirana was scheduled to undergo a scan, SLC said in a statement.
In his likely absence, Sri Lanka is expected to name either Dilshan Madushanka or Nuwan Thushara in the squad.
