India, April 7 -- Kolkata Knight Riders' troubles in IPL 2026 have deepened, with Matheesha Pathirana still awaiting fitness clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket, delaying his much-anticipated arrival.

The Sri Lankan pacer remains unavailable as he is yet to complete the mandatory fitness tests required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for overseas leagues. He is among several centrally contracted players who have not cleared these assessments, with injuries and logistical delays slowing the process.

Pathirana, who was picked for a hefty sum at the IPL 2026 auction after being released by Chennai Super Kings, is currently recovering from a calf strain sustained during the T20 World Cup. Although he has resumed bowling in the nets,...