UP Warriorz has enlisted Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththuas as the replacement for English bowler Lauren Bell in the upcoming TATA Women’s Premier League 2024.
Lauren Bell, the English fast bowler, has opted out of the upcoming TATA Women’s Premier League 2024. UP Warriorz has swiftly responded by enlisting the services of Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, renowned for her explosive hitting and vast T20I experience exceeding 120 matches. Recognized as the sole Sri Lankan woman cricketer to achieve a T20I century, Chamari joins UP Warriorz at her base price of INR 30 lakh.
Athapaththu’s outstanding batting performances in ODIs earned her the prestigious ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2023. The Sri Lankan top-order batter, also serving as captain, played a pivotal role in securing the team’s historic bilateral series victory against New Zealand. Athapaththu also demonstrated remarkable skills and leadership, leading the side to triumph in a rain-affected series against Bangladesh.
“English fast bowler Lauren Bell has withdrawn from the upcoming season of the TATA Women’s Premier League 2024. UP Warriorz has named Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu as a replacement for Bell. Among the most powerful hitters in the game, the Lankan captain is also one of the most experienced players, having featured in over 120 T20Is. She has been signed for her base price of INR 30 lakh,” the official media release by WPL read.
The Sri Lankan batter’s standout moments as a player and captain were witnessed in Sri Lanka’s historic bilateral series win (2-1) against New Zealand. Athapaththu’s remarkable centuries, scoring an unbeaten 108 and 140 in pressure situations, played a pivotal role in guiding her team to victory on both occasions.
Last Updated on January 26, 2024
Senior Sports Copywriter
