In a significant development, Sri Lankan cricket sensation Chamari Athapaththu has been named as the replacement for English fast bowler Lauren Bell in the upcoming Women’s Premier League 2 (WPL 2) season. The announcement came on Friday, with UP Warriorz selecting Athapaththu for her base price of Rs 30 lakh, as confirmed by the WPL in a statement.
A Surprising Omission in WPL Auction
Despite her remarkable performances, Chamari Athapaththu faced an unexpected setback during the WPL auction in December. However, UP Warriorz seizing the opportunity to bring her on board highlights the dynamic nature of team compositions in T20 leagues.
Known as one of the most powerful hitters in the women’s game, Athapaththu has over 120 T20I appearances and a remarkable record as the only Sri Lankan woman to score a century in T20Is. Her prowess was further showcased in the last edition of the Women’s Big Bash League, where she amassed 552 runs, earning her the Player of the Tournament award.
ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year Joins WPL 2
Chamari Athapaththu’s arrival comes on the back of being named the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year for her exceptional performances in 2023. As the first Sri Lankan woman to receive this prestigious award, Athapaththu captained the national side to a historic bilateral series win over New Zealand.
Her leadership and contribution with the bat were crucial in several series, notably against Bangladesh, where she led Sri Lanka to a series win, and the historic victory against New Zealand. Scoring centuries under pressure against the White Ferns, Athapaththu’s impact was evident in steering her team to their first-ever bilateral series win.
As Women’s Premier League 2 gears up for action from February 23 to March 17 in Delhi and Bengaluru, the inclusion of Chamari Athapaththu adds an extra layer of excitement, promising fans an enthralling display of T20 cricket featuring one of the game’s most dynamic players.
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