Pathirana set to join KKR squad after obtaining NOC

Matheesha Pathirana has obtained his No-Objection Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket, and is set to join the Kolkata Knight Riders squad, Cricbuzz has learned.

Pathirana will be available for selection as early as their next match against Chennai Super Kings, in Chennai on April 14.

The 23-year-old quick is set to play against his erstwhile franchise, having missed the early stages of the competition due to a calf injury. He sustained the injury during the T20 World Cup that preceded the IPL, and has been out of action since.

KKR, also reeling from the loss of Harshit Rana and Akash Deep, did not seek a replacement for Pathirana, and were in constant communication with Sri Lanka Cricket to track his progress.

Pathirana, known for his slingy pace and yorkers, has now received an all-clear from the board, and his inclusion will be a boost for KKR, who are at the bottom of the table, losing three games, with one washed out fixture.

In Pathirana's absence, Blessing Muzarabani has been the only overseas quick who has featured for them. He was called in as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, who was also unavailable. In the last game, Cam Green also chipped in with the ball, having played as a pure batter in the first three games.