Chamari Athapaththu Aims for Extended International Cricket Career Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka Captain's Commitment to Cricket
Colombo [Sri Lanka], April 8: Chamari Athapaththu, the captain of the Sri Lankan women's cricket team, has shared her ambition to continue her international cricket journey well beyond the next few years. This announcement is a significant boost for the team's preparations as they gear up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
According to head coach Jamie Siddons, Athapaththu is not only motivated but also dedicated to extending her impressive career. “I had a productive conversation with her. She is eager to play for more than just a couple of years,” Siddons noted, emphasizing Athapaththu's long-term vision, as reported by the ICC.
The 36-year-old's decision comes at a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka, with the prestigious tournament approaching rapidly.
Athapaththu has been performing exceptionally well, recently emerging as the top scorer for her team in both the ODI and T20I series against the West Indies. Siddons also pointed out her strong performance in practice matches, indicating that she still has much to contribute at the elite level.
As a key player in Sri Lanka's batting order, Athapaththu has captained the team in 108 Women’s T20 Internationals, making her the second-most experienced captain in this format, following India’s Harmanpreet Kaur.
She ranks among the top run-scorers in Women’s T20Is, accumulating 3,637 runs in 154 matches, which includes three centuries and 14 half-centuries.
While her vast experience is crucial, Siddons mentioned that the team will also focus on developing younger players ahead of the global event. Sri Lanka has a demanding schedule ahead, featuring a home series against England, followed by matches against the West Indies and New Zealand, before heading to Bangladesh for further preparations.
In the previous Women’s T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka finished last in Group A, losing all four of their matches.
This year, Sri Lanka finds itself in Group 2, competing against hosts England, West Indies, Ireland, Scotland, and the defending champions New Zealand, setting the stage for a challenging tournament as they strive to make a significant impact on the world stage.