On Saturday, December 9, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Matheesha Pathirana uploaded a cryptic message amid reports of being approached by another Indian Premier League side. Sri Lanka’s bowler responded by posting a photo with the caption:
“No money can buy loyalty”
The reply came only days after CSK announced the retention of Matheesha Pathirana for the IPL 2024 season. It followed the speedster’s 19 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 8.00 during the Super Kings’ 2023 IPL-winning season.
Recently, during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Matheesha Pathirana claimed two wickets in as many games. All the same, he was ruled out of the massive ICC event having suffered a shoulder injury on October 10 while playing against Pakistan, missing multiple games. Still, in six 2023 Asia Cup matches, the death bowler for CSK claimed 11 wickets.
During the Chennai floods, the 20-year-old published a heartfelt tweet asking everyone to stay indoors. On X (previously Twitter), he wrote:
“Stay safe, my Chennai! The storm may be fierce, but our resilience is stronger. Better days are just around the corner. Take care, stay indoors, and look out for one another.”
Matheesha Pathirana
Sri Lanka assistant coach praises CSK for Matheesha Pathirana’s growth
Naveed Nawaz, Sri Lanka’s assistant coach for the 2023 World Cup, has praised CSK and the IPL for Matheesha Pathirana’s improved bowling performances. As reported by ANI, he stated:
“IPL opportunities have helped him mature his game. At 18-19, he got to play under a captain like MS Dhoni. I am sure that Matheesha would have learnt a lot from him about handling pressure, being in the centre during big CSK games. It is a good experience.”
Naveed Nawaz
He added:
“We identified him at an early age, CSK saw something in him and picked up, but there is a contribution of them as well.”
Naveed Nawaz
The Chennai-based franchise will now attempt to acquire a veteran pacer to aid Matheesha Pathirana in the next IPL 2024 auction, which will take place on December 19 in Dubai.