Sri Lanka pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana made the headlines after being acquired for a record-breaking price of USD 120,000 in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) Player Auction. The star player, who left the Chennai Super Kings' team midway through the IPL 2024 season due to injury concerns, was sold for USD 120,000 to the Colombo Strikers on Tuesday, May 21. The player auction is currently happening in Colombo, featuring 424 cricketers vying for a spot in Sri Lanka’s premier T20 league. Speaking of Pathirana, the bidding war began with Dambulla Aura starting at $70,000. The Galle Marvels escalated the bid to USD 100,000 and then to USD 120,000, setting a new record. But then the Colombo Strikers exercised their right to match Galle Marvels’ bid and eventually triumphed, securing his services for a record-breaking USD 120,000, making him the most expensive player in LPL history.

Matheesha Pathirana becomes the most expensive player in the history of Lanka Premier League

Sri Lanka star Matheesha Pathirana has become the most expensive player in the history of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) as the Colombo Strikers have secured his services for the upcoming season. The Colombo-based team has signed the right-arm pacer for USD 120,000. He was one of the most sought-after players in the auction, and several teams attempted to sign him before the Colombo Strikers used the right-to-match card to retain him. Sri Lankan fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka previously held the record for the highest-paid player in the history of the LPL. The left-arm bowler was bought for USD 92,000 by Jaffna Kings in the previous LPL auction.

Matheesha Pathirana lights up IPL under the guidance of his 'cricket father' MS Dhoni

Matheesha Pathirana has emerged as a highly sought-after player in T20 cricket following his outstanding performance in the IPL. He was recruited by the Chennai Super Kings in 2022 and has been a part of the team since then. Although he only played two games in 2022, he made his mark in the IPL 2023 season under the guidance of his 'cricket father' MS Dhoni. In 12 matches, Matheesha Pathirana took an impressive 19 wickets, playing a crucial role in CSK's successful campaign. 

Pathirana not only showcased his wicket-taking abilities but also proved his skill in bowling economical spells. The 21-year-old appeared to be in good form during the ongoing season, but injuries disrupted his campaign. He only managed to play six games in IPL 2024 before being sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Pathirana took 13 wickets in the six games he played while bowling at an economy rate of less than 8. He is expected to be retained by Chennai ahead of the IPL 2024 mega auction.