Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have released their Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana.
The franchise released Pathirana, who was retained for a substantial Rs 13 crore in the 2025 mega-auction, to free up purse funds and gain financial flexibility.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan explained this move as part of a broader plan to enter the auction with a high purse value-currently Rs 43 crore, second only to Kolkata Knight Riders- with the intention of building a stronger overall squad.
Despite releasing him, CSK maintains strong faith in Pathirana's abilities and plans to target him again in the upcoming auction but at a lower price, depending on how the auction unfolds. Kasi said, "Whatever we do will always be in the best
interests of the team. We will try to get him back, but it will depend on how the auction pans out. "
Pathirana's time with CSK has had its ups and downs; while the Sri Lankan pacer struggled with form and an economy rate above 10 in IPL 2025, he remains one of the team's trusted death-overs bowlers, having taken 47 wickets in 32 innings so far.
CSK's approach stems from combining financial prudence with retaining key talent by releasing him to create auction space and aiming to re-sign him for a more reasonable sum. Other teams such as Delhi Capitals and KKR could be interested buyers, but CSK's familiarity with Pathirana's skills gives them an edge in potentially reacquiring him.
The Super Kings let go of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to the Rajasthan Royals as part of a trade deal, which has brought Sanju Samson to the franchise. Apart from that, the five-time IPL champions have cleared out house with the release of Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hodda and others.
