Kolkata Knight Riders Secure Matheesha Pathirana for INR 18 Crore in IPL 2026 Mini Auction
In the IPL 2026 mini auction, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana entered with a base price of INR 2 crore and ended up being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 18 crore after a heated bidding war with Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka revealed that Pathirana was a top priority for captain Rishabh Pant, but they had to bow out once KKR surpassed their limit. Despite missing out on Pathirana, LSG managed to secure South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje at his base price later in the auction. Goenka mentioned that Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga were their top targets for the auction, aiming to secure an international leg-spinner and a reputed fast bowler. Although they missed out on Pathirana, Goenka expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the auction, as they were able to acquire two players from their shortlist.