Matheesha Pathirana IPL 2026: How He Escapes the Salary Cap Rule
Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana became one of the biggest talking points of the IPL 2026 auction after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) snapped him up for a massive ₹18 crore. The deal made Pathirana the second-most expensive player of the auction and the costliest Sri Lankan cricketer in IPL history. So let’s know about Matheesha Pathirana IPL 2026 Salary Cap Rule.
However, the high price tag led to confusion among fans due to a newly introduced IPL salary cap rule. The key question was whether Pathirana would actually receive the full amount. The answer is clear — yes, he will be paid the entire ₹18 crore.
Understanding the IPL Maximum Fee Rule
The confusion stems from a maximum fee rule introduced ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The regulation was designed to prevent overseas players from bypassing mega auctions and entering mini-auctions, where franchises often overspend due to limited choices.
Under this rule:
- Overseas players can receive a maximum of ₹18 crore
- Any amount bid above this limit goes to the BCCI Player Welfare Fund
- The franchise still loses the full bid amount from its auction purse
The ₹18 crore figure matches the highest retention value allowed before the mega auction.
Why Cameron Green Didn’t Get His Full Auction Price
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is the best example of how the rule works. Although he was bought for ₹25.20 crore, he will only receive ₹18 crore. The remaining ₹7.20 crore will be transferred to the BCCI, not the player.
This happened because his auction price exceeded the maximum permissible fee for overseas players.
Why Pathirana Is Completely Safe
Matheesha Pathirana’s case is different. KKR bought him for exactly ₹18 crore, which is within the permitted cap. Since the franchise did not cross the maximum fee threshold, Pathirana is entitled to the full amount, with no deductions.
In simple terms:
- Cameron Green crossed the cap → deduction applied
- Pathirana stayed within the cap → full payment guaranteed
Indian Players Not Affected by This Rule
It is important to note that Indian players are exempt from this restriction. If an Indian cricketer is bought for more than ₹18 crore, he receives the entire bid amount, without any money being diverted to the BCCI.
Pathirana’s Price Reflects His IPL Impact
KKR’s hefty investment highlights Pathirana’s growing reputation as a death-over specialist. At just 22 years of age, the Sri Lankan pacer has already taken 47 wickets in 32 IPL matches.
His numbers are especially impressive in the latter half of innings:
- 43 wickets between overs 11 and 20
- Among the best strike rates for IPL fast bowlers with 20+ wickets
- Second only to Jasprit Bumrah in economy rate during death overs
Pathirana’s ₹18 crore deal is also the joint second-highest fee ever paid for a specialist bowler, behind Mitchell Starc’s ₹24.75 crore move to KKR in 2024.
Final Takeaway
While the IPL’s maximum fee rule has added complexity to auction deals, Matheesha Pathirana’s signing is fully compliant. KKR stayed within the permitted limit, ensuring their star pacer walks away with every rupee of his historic ₹18 crore contract — and justifying their faith with his proven match-winning ability.
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