Colombo Strikers have secured the services of Matheesha Pathirana for a staggering $120,000, making him the most expensive player in the history of the Lanka Premier League (LPL).
This bid exceeded the previous record of $92,000 set by Dilshan Madushanka in the previous season. Colombo Strikers utilized their Right To Match option to match Galle Marvels’ bid and acquire Pathirana.
The bidding began with the Dambulla franchise offering $70,000, but Galle Marvels quickly raised it to $100,000. Despite Galle Marvels increasing their bid to $120,000, Colombo Strikers managed to secure Pathirana.
Pathirana’s price tag is almost five times higher than his Indian Premier League (IPL) price when he played for the Chennai Super Kings. The second most expensive player in the LPL auction was Isuru Udana, who was acquired by Galle Marvels for $100,000, followed by Dasun Shanaka at $85,000.
Afghanistan’s Karim Janat was the most expensive foreign player, with Dambulla Thunders paying $80,000 for his services. The tournament is set to commence on 1 July, with the final scheduled for 21 July.