Akash Deep ruled out as KKR’s injury crisis continues:Pathirana, Hasaranga to get SL’s approval after clearing fitness tests

Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) injury list keeps on growing as, in a latest development, Akash Deep has been ruled out of IPL 2026. The Bengal fast bowler was signed by KKR for Rs 1 crore at the IPL auction last year in Abu Dhabi. Earlier, Harshit Rana was ruled out of the season after failing to recover in time from a knee injury sustained before the T20 World Cup. There is also uncertainty prevailing over KKR’s Rs 18 crore buy, Matheesha Pathirana’s availability in IPL 2026. Akash Deep ruled out of whole season The news of Akash being sidelined for the whole season was confirmed by a KKR official, as per Cricbuzz. “Unfortunately, he is out of the IPL, ruled out for the season,” the publication quoted the official of the franchise. It has been reported that Akash might have had a lower back stress injury. The right-arm pacer is also said to be having his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. KKR, three-time IPL champions, will start their campaign against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on 29 March. Also read: ‘Switch on, let’s not waste a minute of any session’: Virat Kohli motivates RCB camp ahead of season opener against SRH Pathirana, Hasaranga to get IPL NOCs after passing fitness tests Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has clarified that players will only receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play in the IPL if they pass a fitness test. Eight Sri Lankan players are part of various IPL teams this time. Among them, Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis have passed the fitness test, after which they have been granted permission to play in the IPL. The board has also clarified that the participation of Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and Eshan Malinga in the IPL will depend on the results of their ‘Physical Performance Test’. Currently, all these players are recovering from injuries and are undergoing rehabilitation. Star Players Battling Injuries, Pathirana to Miss Initial Matches According to the board, Hasaranga, Malinga, and Pathirana have requested NOCs for the IPL, but their fitness tests have not been conducted yet. These three players were injured during or just before the T20 World Cup. Pathirana is almost certain to miss the initial matches of the IPL. He is expected to be fit by mid-April. Eight-week rigorous training program, will have to pass a 2-kilometer sprint The Sri Lanka Board has launched an 8-week special physical training program for all national contracted players. The Board states that this initiative has been taken to improve the fitness level of players for the upcoming international matches. This test includes a 2-kilometer sprint and several other rigorous physical tests. The Board has clarified that only players who meet these standards will be allowed to play in the IPL and domestic tournaments. Selection Committee and Sports Ministry’s strict stance Behind this new focus on fitness are the new selection committee, led by former cricketer Pramodya Wickramasinghe, and the Sri Lankan government’s Ministry of Sports. Since Sri Lanka has no international matches to play until the end of May, the Board has decided to use this time as a training block. The main objective is to raise the fitness standards of the players so that they are fully prepared for future tours.