Sri Lankan bowling legend Lasith Malinga has shared his views on the young prodigy, compatriot Matheesha Pathirana, who is plying his trade in IPL 2023 with Chennai Super Kings. 

“I think anyone who tells him (Pathirana) not to play red-ball cricket is doing so because they think he will get injured. I played red-ball cricket first between 2004-2010. No one discouraged me. Despite playing in red-ball cricket I had a 16-year international career, and I played several IPL, plus Big Bash and all the other leagues.

“All the while, I never left the field injuring a hamstring, or a groin, or my back, or my calf. Maybe a lot of people will oppose me, but I don’t think we should just presume that he will get injured. I’ve played similar styles and bowled like him, so I’m fully aware of the challenges,” Malinga added.