In a remarkable triumph for Sri Lankan cricket, Chamari Athapaththu, captain of the Sri Lanka Women's Cricket Team, has been honored with the prestigious ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award for 2023. This landmark achievement marks Athapaththu as the first female cricketer from Sri Lanka to clinch an ICC award, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
The announcement came as part of the ICC Awards 2023, where Australia's Pat Cummins secured the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. Meanwhile, Athapaththu's remarkable performances throughout the year earned her this well-deserved recognition.
During 2023, Athapaththu showcased her prowess with the bat, amassing an impressive 415 runs in just eight matches at an outstanding average of 69.16 and a remarkable strike-rate of 125.37. Her standout performances included unbeaten centuries against New Zealand, where her knocks of 108 and 140 played pivotal roles in Sri Lanka's triumphant ICC Women’s Championship series victory, securing a 2-1 win in Galle during June and July.
Expressing her elation and pride at receiving the award, Athapaththu remarked, "I feel very happy and proud. I have finally achieved a big dream." She emphasized her commitment to continuous improvement, stating, "Playing a level up is about improving, not impressing. So, I want to keep doing my best for my country all the time."
Acknowledging her fellow nominees, Athapaththu expressed gratitude, recognizing them as "the world’s best all-rounders." Reflecting on her journey, she highlighted her previous accomplishments but underscored the significance of this award, stating, "I have sacrificed a lot for this award, so I am very happy."
Athapaththu's remarkable achievement not only solidifies her status as one of the premier talents in women's cricket but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers, particularly women, across Sri Lanka and beyond. Her dedication, perseverance, and outstanding performances have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of cricket, further elevating the profile of Sri Lankan cricket on the global stage.
