Sri Lanka’s rising pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana is set to make his return to competitive cricket, with a move to the Indian Premier League (IPL) expected in the coming days.

After a period on the sidelines due to injury concerns, the young fast bowler has successfully completed all required fitness tests, clearing the final hurdle in his recovery process. His return comes as welcome news for both fans and team management, who have been awaiting his comeback.

Sources indicate that Pathirana is now preparing to travel to India, where he is likely to link up with the Kolkata Knight Riders squad. His inclusion could provide a significant boost to the team’s bowling attack as the tournament moves into a crucial phase.

Known for his unique action and death-over effectiveness, Pathirana’s return adds depth and firepower, potentially strengthening Kolkata’s chances in the latter stages of the competition.

Sri Lanka has earned a proud moment on the global cricketing stage as national women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu has been appointed to the Player Advisory Board of the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA).

The latest reshuffle of the board brings together some of the most influential voices in international cricket. Athapaththu joins a distinguished lineup that includes Pat Cummins, Jason Holder, Heather Knight, Aiden Markram, Scott Edwards, and Laura Wolvaardt.

She also joins newly inducted members such as Rashid Khan, Wayne Madsen, Daryl Mitchell, and Maddy Green. The new appointments come as former board members Tim Southee and Sophie Devine step down from their roles.

Speaking about her appointment, Athapaththu described the opportunity as both a personal honour and a milestone for Sri Lankan cricket as a whole. She emphasized that her inclusion reflects growing recognition for players from Asia on the global stage.

The experienced all-rounder expressed her eagerness to bring her international insights to the table, highlighting the importance of ensuring that players from all regions have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of the sport. She particularly stressed the need for stronger representation from Asian cricketing nations in global decision-making.

Athapaththu also reaffirmed her commitment to collaborating with fellow board members to enhance player welfare, support the development of the game, and contribute to a more balanced and inclusive global cricket structure.

According to the WCA, the refreshed Player Advisory Board comes at a crucial time for international cricket. The body aims to strengthen player representation and ensure that athletes play a central role in guiding the long-term direction and sustainability of the game.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have signed South African allrounder George Linde as a replacement for injured Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga in IPL 2026.

Hasaranga, bought for INR 2 crore, was ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup opener in February and never joined the LSG squad. His absence left LSG short of spin options early in the season.

Linde joins the franchise at his base price of INR 1 crore. The 33-year-old left-arm spinner is set for his first IPL stint, but arrives with extensive global T20 experience, having featured in leagues such as SA20, The Hundred, PSL and Major League Cricket over the past year.

Across 250 T20 matches, Linde has taken 218 wickets at an economy of 7.42 and scored 2,746 runs at a strike rate of 136.68, adding depth as a bowling allrounder.

LSG, who began IPL 2026 with a loss to Delhi Capitals, have since bounced back with two narrow wins to climb to fifth place on the points table. The addition of Linde is expected to further strengthen their balance ahead of a key phase in the tournament.

LSG next face Gujarat Titans on Sunday in Lucknow, where Linde could be in line for his debut.