Three Sri Lankan cricketers were sold at the IPL mini auction held today in Abu Dhabi, further strengthening the island nation’s presence in the upcoming Indian Premier League season.
Lucknow Super Giants secured the services of Sri Lanka’s premier spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for INR 2 crore. Hasaranga has previously worked closely with LSG’s Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, during their time together at Desert Vipers in the International League T20, as well as at several other franchises.
>>Sri Lanka Women’s T20I squad announced for India tour
Sri Lanka’s young fast-bowling sensation Matheesha Pathirana attracted significant attention at the auction, eventually earning a massive INR 18 crore deal from Kolkata Knight Riders after an intense bidding war. With this deal, Pathirana became the most expensive Sri Lankan player ever to be auctioned in the history of the Indian Premier League.
Pathirana shares a strong working relationship with KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo, dating back to their time together at Chennai Super Kings. Bravo was known to closely monitor Pathirana’s spells from beyond the boundary and regularly share insights with the young pacer. Pathirana is now set to reunite with Bravo at KKR in the IPL.
Opening batter Pathum Nissanka, who has been in excellent form across formats, was picked up by Delhi Capitals for INR 4 crore, adding further depth to their top order.
In addition to the three players sold at the auction, four more Sri Lankans had already been retained by franchises ahead of the event. They are Eshan Malinga and Kamindu Mendis (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Nuwan Thushara (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Dushmantha Chameera (Delhi Capitals).
>>Sri Lanka clinch thrilling win over Afghanistan in Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025
In total, seven Sri Lankan players are set to feature in the Indian Premier League 2026, which is scheduled to be played from 26 March to 31 May next year.
Meanwhile, the auction also witnessed a historic moment as Kolkata Knight Riders snapped up Australian seaming all-rounder Cameron Green for INR 25.2 crore, making it the highest-ever bid for an overseas player at an IPL auction.
Sri Lankans in Indian Premier League 2026
| Player | Team | Price | ||
| INR | LKR | USD | ||
| Matheesha Pathirana | Kolkata Knight Riders | 18.00 Crore | 61.20 Crore | 2.00 Million |
| Pathum Nissanka | Delhi Capitals | 4.00 Crore | 13.60 Crore | 0.44 Million |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Lucknow Super Giants | 2.00 Crore | 6.80 Crore | 0.22 Million |
| Nuwan Thushara | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 1.60 Crore | 5.45 Crore | 0.17 Million |
| Eshan Malinga | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 1.20 Crore | 4.09 Crore | 0.13 Million |
| Kamindu Mendis | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 75 Lakhs | 2.55 Crore | 0.08 Million |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Delhi Capitals | 75 Lakhs | 2.55 Crore | 0.08 Million |
