T20 World Cup 2026: Matheesha Pathirana ruled out with calf injury, replacement named

Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is set to be ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 after picking up a calf strain, which is likely to take several weeks to heal. The injury even casts minor doubts over his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. However, with more than a month to go before the commencement of the tournament, Pathirana is expected to be fit in time.

Pathirana was in visible pain as he clutched his left leg after bowling the fourth delivery of his first over in Sri Lanka's fixture against Australia in Pallekele on February 16. He left his over midway through and did not return to bowl in the innings, with Dasun Shanaka completing the remainder of the over. 

Sri Lanka's batting consultant Vikram Rathour confirmed the extent of Pathirana's injury before the team's final group-stage clash against Zimbabwe on February 19 in Colombo. 

Dilshan Madhushanka named as replacement

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have named left-arm pacer Dilshan Madhushanka as the replacement, approved by the ICC's Event Technical Committee. Madhushanka only recently regained fitness after a prolonged injury layoff. Sri Lanka could also call up a batter or spinner if the need arises. Madhushanka's T20I returns are lukewarm: he has played 15 T20Is, picking up as many wickets at an economy rate of 9.75.

Pathirana is the second major injury blow for Sri Lanka, who are missing their talismanic wrist-spin all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. Hasaranga was ruled out after he picked up a hamstring injury in the team's tournament opener against Ireland.

After the clash against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka will play England in the first Super 8 clash in Pallekele on February 22 before meeting New Zealand in Colombo on February 25. Their third and final match in Super 8 will be against Pakistan in Pallekele on February 28.