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.

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 sustained during the T20 World Cup that preceded the IPL.

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. His inclusion will be a boost for KKR, who are at the bottom of the table with three losses and one washed-out fixture.

In Pathirana's absence, Blessing Muzarabani has been the only overseas quick to feature for KKR, called in as a replacement for the unavailable Mustafizur Rahman. In the last game, Cameron Green also chipped in with the ball after playing as a pure batter in the first three matches.