- Nissanka and Wanindu also purchased
Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana was purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 180 million at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (16).
Pathirana who was released by Chennai Super Kings created a bidding war among three teams at the auction.
Delhi Capitals bid INR 20 million for Pathirana but Lucknow Super Giants were also interested in the pacer which increased his price.
After several rounds of bidding Kolkata Knight Riders secured the service of Pathirana for a whopping INR 180 million.
Earlier, spin ace Wanindu Hasaranga was sold to Lucknow Super Giants for his price of INR 20 million at the IPL auction in Abu Dhabi.
Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka was signed by Delhi Capitals for INR 40 million at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Last month, Nissanka became the highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka in T20I cricket.
Nissanka, who has 18 T20I fifties under his belt, has smashed 2,345 runs in the format at an average of 31.68 (79 matches).
Nissanka’s consistent international performances had drawn attention from various franchises ahead of the upcoming season. He will be making his IPL debut in the upcoming edition.
The move comes as part of a strong showing by Sri Lankan players at the event, which also saw Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana securing deals.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for his base price of INR 20 million at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, earlier today, Australia’s Cameron Green was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for a record INR 252 million at the auction.
Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings engaged in an intense bidding war for the Australian, but the Shah Rukh Khan-owned KKR roped in the all-rounder. He broke the record of compatriot Mitchell Starc (INR 247.5 million, IPL 2024, KKR) to become the most expensive foreign player ever.
The 2026 Indian Premier League Player Auction is taking place in Abu Dhabi with franchises competing to fill 77 available slots overall, including 31 spots reserved for overseas players.
A total of 1,390 players registered for the Player Auction, out of which 350 players were shortlisted; 240 Indian and 110 are overseas recruits.
The pool comprises 224 uncapped Indian players and 14 uncapped overseas players, adding significant depth and fresh talent to this year’s auction roster.
The highest reserve price remains INR 20 million, with 40 players choosing to enter the auction in this bracket including Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana.