Chamari Athapaththu Joins Sydney Thunder with Landmark Three-Season WBBL Deal

Sydney Thunder has signed Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu for a landmark three-season deal ahead of WBBL 2024-25.

Sydney Thunder Signs Athapaththu Through 2027

Sydney Thunder has signed Sri Lanka‘s captain Chamari Athapaththu for the next three seasons ahead of the WBBL 2024-25, which will start on October 27. 

Athapaththu played for the Thunder last season as an undrafted player and performed exceptionally well, scoring 552 runs and taking nine wickets. Her efforts earned her the Player of the Tournament award and helped Thunder finish in fourth place.

“Committing to Sydney Thunder for the next three seasons was an easy decision because I believe in the vision of this club, and I want to be part of its future success,” Athapaththu said

“There’s so much to love about my Sydney Thunder family. My team-mates are not just colleagues; they are friends who push each other to be better every day, [which] is important to me. Western Sydney is the heart and soul of Sydney Thunder and representing such a diverse and vibrant community is a privilege to have. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m so excited for what’s ahead.”

This signing is part of the league’s new multi-year contract provision, allowing each club to secure one overseas player for up to three years outside the draft. 

Sydney Thunder’s general manager, Trent Copeland, praised Athapaththu not only for her cricketing skills but also for her positive influence on the team and fans.

Sydney Thunder will begin their 2024-25 season against Hobart Hurricanes on October 28.

WBBL

The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) is Australia’s top domestic Twenty20 cricket competition for women. It started in the 2015–16 season, replacing the Australian Women’s Twenty20 Cup. 

The WBBL features eight city-based teams, similar to the men’s Big Bash League (BBL). Each team includes current and former national players, young talent, and up to three international stars.

The league has grown in popularity and media coverage since becoming a standalone event in WBBL|05. The Adelaide Strikers are the current champions, having won back-to-back titles in WBBL|08 and WBBL|09. 

Historically, the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder dominated the early seasons, reflecting New South Wales’ strong performance in women’s domestic cricket.

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