Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a hefty sum of INR 18 crore, is yet to take the field for the three-time champions in the ongoing IPL season.

The 23-year-old was initially injured and had to wait for clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The No-Objection Certificate has been issued, but no one knows when Pathirana will link up with the KKR squad as the franchise is clearly having a tough time.

Ahead of their fixture against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Friday (April 18), the KKR spokesperson confirmed that Pathirana has indeed received the NOC but is yet to join with the squad due to logistical reasons.

After the game, which KKR lost by five wickets in Ahmedabad, former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull slammed the franchise for lack of transparency and creating unnecessary speculation.

“You don't have to tell the whole truth, but just tell something partially and provide some sort of explanation. It kind of leaves you alone; there is no social media speculation, and there is no speculation from us,” said Doull on Cricbuzz.

“We are wondering if he has been picked up in the auction, we know he's on his way, or he's here. Logistical reasons? What? Can't someone find the car key to get him in the car, or is there no seat on the bus for him? We can only laugh about it because we aren't told. We just want to know when he can be available," he added.

Doull highlighted that the issue extends beyond just one team, stating that all IPL franchises tend to "hide things" under the guise of benefiting the side

“That's what you always do. It's not just KKR, it's every team in this league. They hide things. We need to make assumptions. The franchises hide behind things, thinking it's for the side's benefit. It's not. That's where all the speculation comes from. I said it on the air during the last game, just be open, put out a message on social media. These are the reasons,” Doull stated.

“I don't really want to see your players eating cake or having coffee. I would rather know who is available and who is not available. Just be open, some transparency. If you are open and honest about things, you will get some leeway, and people will go, ‘Oh, that’s a real shame,” he remarked.

KKR suffered their fifth defeat of the IPL 2026 season on Friday after losing to Gujarat Titans by five wickets. The three time champions continue to remain at the bottom of the points and will next take on the Rajasthan Royals in an afternoon game on Sunday, April 19.

The Ajinkya Rahana-led side is currently languishing at the bottom of the table after six games with zero wins and only one point due to a rain-abandoned match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens.

KKR will now head back to the Eden Gardens where they will face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their next game on Sunday (April 19).