Sri Lanka women’s cricket captain Chamari Athapaththu has joined the Hobart Hurricanes as an overseas replacement player for the 2026 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season.
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 captain is currently ranked sixth in the ICC Women’s T20I batting rankings. She brings extensive experience to the defending champions ahead of their season opener against the Melbourne Stars on Thursday.
Athapaththu has featured in seven editions of the WBBL, representing the Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder across 69 matches.
She enjoyed an outstanding campaign with the Sydney Thunder in WBBL|09, scoring 552 runs at an average of 42.46, including five half-centuries. Her performances earned her the Player of the Tournament award. She also claimed nine wickets during the competition.
Hobart Hurricanes Head of High Performance Salliann Beams welcomed the signing, describing Athapaththu as one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket.
Beams said Athapaththu’s experience, leadership and aggressive approach would be valuable additions to the team, adding that her fearless style of cricket aligned with the Hurricanes’ playing philosophy.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have also signed emerging wicketkeeper-batter Kate Pelle following her impressive performances in the recent Spring Challenge.
Pelle scored 136 runs in four matches, including 61 against the ACT Meteors and 43 against the Perth Scorchers. Her inclusion provides the team with additional batting depth 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 during the upcoming WBBL season.
