Matheesha Pathirana Biography, Age, Height, Net Worth, Career & IPL Auction Profile
Matheesha Pathirana is one of the most lethal death-over specialists in modern T20 cricket. Often compared to Lasith Malinga for his slingy action and yorker accuracy, the Sri Lankan fast bowler has become a premium franchise asset—reflected in the big-money move during the IPL 2026 auction.
Who is Matheesha Pathirana?
Matheesha Pathirana is a Sri Lankan international fast bowler known for his unorthodox sling action, sharp pace, and ice-cold execution at the death. He is primarily a right-arm fast bowler and is trusted to bowl the toughest overs in T20 cricket.
Matheesha Pathirana Age & Early Life
Matheesha Pathirana was born on 18 December 2002 in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
As of 2026, he is 23 years old.
He rose to prominence after impressing in youth cricket and quickly transitioned into senior international and franchise setups with remarkable success.
Physical Attributes
- Age (as of 2026): 23 Years
- Height: Approx. 5 feet 10 inches
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast (sling action)
- Role: Specialist fast bowler
His low release point and deceptive pace make him extremely hard to line up.
International Cricket Career
Pathirana has represented Sri Lanka in limited-overs formats and has quickly established himself as a go-to bowler in crunch moments.
White-Ball Impact
- Renowned for pinpoint yorkers
- Effective at the death
- Regular wicket-taker under pressure
His skill set is tailor-made for T20 cricket.
IPL & Franchise Career
Matheesha Pathirana has built a reputation as a game-changing T20 bowler, consistently delivering in high-pressure situations across franchise leagues.
Matheesha Pathirana IPL 2026 Auction – Final Result
💰 Final Auction Price: ₹18 Crore
🟣 Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Kolkata Knight Riders secured Matheesha Pathirana for ₹18 crore, underlining their intent to dominate the death overs with elite fast-bowling firepower.
Role at Kolkata Knight Riders
At KKR, Pathirana is expected to:
- Lead the death-overs bowling
- Provide breakthroughs in crunch moments
- Complement KKR’s pace attack with variation
- Be a match-winner in tight games
His presence significantly strengthens KKR’s bowling unit.
Playing Style & Strengths
Matheesha Pathirana is a specialist T20 bowler.
Key Strengths:
- Deadly yorker accuracy
- Unorthodox sling action
- Calm temperament under pressure
- Proven death-overs expertise
- Match-winning impact in short spells
Few bowlers in world cricket offer this level of control at the end.
Matheesha Pathirana Net Worth
As of 2026, Matheesha Pathirana’s estimated net worth is around:
💰 ₹45–60 crore (approx.)
Sources of Income:
- Sri Lanka Cricket contracts
- IPL salary (₹18 Cr – KKR)
- Other franchise leagues
- Match fees and bonuses
His earnings have surged rapidly with elite IPL contracts.
Future Prospects
At just 23, Matheesha Pathirana is already among the most valued T20 bowlers globally. He is expected to:
- Be a core bowler for KKR
- Remain Sri Lanka’s primary death specialist
- Command premium prices in future auctions
His ceiling remains extremely high.
Personal Life
Matheesha Pathirana keeps his personal life private and focuses on fitness, skill refinement, and consistency at the elite level.
Conclusion
Matheesha Pathirana’s ₹18 crore move to Kolkata Knight Riders confirms his status as one of the most valuable death-over bowlers in T20 cricket. With yorker mastery, composure, and youth on his side, he is set to play a defining role in KKR’s IPL 2026 campaign.
