CSK to release Matheesha Pathirana before IPL 2026, buy back at mini-auction on cards

Chennai Super Kings are set to release Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The decision stems from the fact that the pacer was least impressive in IPL 2025 coupled with his injury concerns. As per reports, CSK – who retained the pacer for a whooping sum of Rs 13 crore before mega auction last year, are now willing to let go of him.

CSK to part ways with Pathirana?

As per ESPNCricinfo, CSK is reportedly contemplating on releasing Pathirana and it has come to the fore ahead of the retention deadline – 3 PM on November 15. The report states that CSK are open to buying back the Sri Lankan pacer later in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, perhaps for a lesser price. The auction will take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16. The five-time champions will also reportedly release the New Zealand duo of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra.

Pathirana fared rather poorly in IPL 2025, managing to pick up 13 wickets in 12 matches, at an economy rate over 10. Earlier during the season, head coach Stephen Fleming had expressed concerns over the drop in impact that the pacer could make and had accused the Sri Lanka Cricket board of tampering with his action, leading to the result.

Pathirana made his IPL debut with CSK back in 2022. His best season came in 2023 – the year the team won their 5th title – where he picked up 19 wickets in 12 matches. In IPL 2024, he was forced to exit the tournament halfway after featuring in just 6 games.

Should CSK release Pathirana, it will allow them to go into the IPL 2026 auction with a bigger purse. Besides, the team has also traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals for keeper-batter Sanju Samson.