Matheesha Pathirana, 21-Year-Old CSK Star, Becomes Most Expensive Player At LPL Auction

Matheesha Pathirana, the 21-year-old CSK star, became the most expensive player at a LPL Auction on Tuesday (May 21).

Matheesha Pathirana broke the record for being the most expensive player at an LPL Auction.

Source : PTI

While the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the trend-setter as far as international cricket leagues are concerned, some of the IPL stars go on to fetch a lucrative contract in other leagues, especially when they have announced themselves at the world stage with an impressive show in the IPL.

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The latest to join this growing list is Sri Lanka's Matheesha Pathirana. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) speedster became the most expenesive player in the history of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) auction. Pathirana was sold for USD 120,000 after a bidding war. The Colombo Strikers managed to acquire his services using their Right To Match option.

Matheesha Pathirana – Sold to #ColomboStrikers for US$ 120,000 #LPL2024 #LPLAuction

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) May 21, 2024

Matheesa Pathirana's Price At LPL Nearly Five Times Higher Than IPL Price

Pathirana, known for his slingy action, attracted a price five times higher than his IPL price. Notably, the Sri Lankan cricketer was included by CSK for 20 lakh in 2022. He was signed as a replacement for New Zealand's Adam Milne.

While Pathirana had to part ways with CSK earlt this season owing to an injury, he is set to be part of the Sri Lankan team that will compete in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled to be played in the USA and the Caribbean Islands.

The right-arm fast bowler has so far featured in 48 T20s, scalping 71 wickets at an average of 19.28. His economy rate is a bit on the higher side but at 21 years of age, he has shown immense potential already and it is being assumed, given his track record, that he will continue to improve as a cricketer.