Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Captain Chamari Athapaththu has joined the Hobart Hurricanes for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2026 season as an overseas replacement player.
According to the Hobart Hurricanes, Athapaththu will replace England international Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
The 36-year-old Sri Lankan skipper, currently ranked sixth in the ICC Women’s T20I batting rankings, brings extensive international experience to the defending champions ahead of their season opener against the Melbourne Stars on Thursday.
Athapaththu has previously featured in seven editions of the WBBL, playing 69 matches for the Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder.
She enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Sydney Thunder in WBBL|09, scoring 552 runs at an average of 42.46, including five half-centuries, to claim the Player of the Tournament award.
She also took nine wickets during the tournament, highlighting her all-round abilities.
Hurricanes Head of High Performance Salliann Beams welcomed Athapaththu’s signing, describing her as one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket.
“To be able to bring in someone of Chamari’s quality and experience is a fantastic result for the Hurricanes,” Beams said.
“She’s one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket, she’s a proven performer in the WBBL and she brings enormous leadership experience as captain of Sri Lanka.”
Beams also praised Athapaththu’s aggressive style of play, saying it aligns with the team’s approach.
“Chamari plays an aggressive, fearless brand of cricket that fits perfectly with the way we want to play, and we’re looking forward to welcoming her to Hobart,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have also signed emerging wicketkeeper-batter Kate Pelle following her impressive performances in the recent Spring Challenge.
Pelle scored 136 runs across four matches, including 61 against the ACT Meteors and 43 against the Perth Scorchers.
Her inclusion provides the Hurricanes with additional batting flexibility and another wicketkeeping option alongside Lizelle Lee.
Beams said Pelle had earned her opportunity through her performances and expressed confidence in her ability to contribute to the team during the upcoming season. (Newswire)