Pathirana sets T20 tournament auction record

Young Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana became the most expensive player ever in a Lanka Premier League (LPL) auction Tuesday when he was grabbed by Colombo Strikers for a record $120,000.

The 21-year-old — who has an unorthodox slinging delivery style — broke the $92,000 mark set by Dilshan Madushanka in last year’s edition of the T20 tournament.

On Tuesday, the second most expensive player was all-rounder Isuru Udana, who was taken for $100,000 by Galle Marvels. Dasun Shanaka, another all-rounder, was third at $85,000.

The most expensive foreign player was Afghanistan’s right-arm medium pacer Karim Janat. Dambulla Thunders paid $80,000 for his services and another $50,000 for his left-hand batsman compatriot, Hazratullah Zazai.

South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw, another left-hand batsman, went to Jaffna Kings at $60,000.

The five-team tournament will start on July 1, with the final on July 21.