Chamari Athapaththu’s Impact on Sri Lankan Cricket’s Transformation

Chamari Athapaththu has emerged as a revolutionary force in Sri Lankan women’s cricket, having recently been named the top player in the ICC ODI rankings. This achievement is not just a personal milestone for Athapaththu, but also represents a huge transformation in the dynamics of Sri Lankan women’s cricket, converting them from chronic underdogs to strong challengers on the world scene.

Athapaththu’s journey from the cricket fields of Kurunegala in Gokarella to the pinnacle of ICC rankings is a testament to her resilience and determination. Inspired by cricketing legend Sanath Jayasuriya during the 1996 Men’s World Cup, Athapaththu’s uncle, Chandra, a coach, played a pivotal role in honing her skills and instilling a passion for the game. Starting her career at Kurunegala Cricket Club, where she practiced alongside boys, Athapaththu’s early exposure to competitive cricket set the stage for her future accomplishments.

At the age of 17, she moved to Colombo after being contracted by Colts Cricket Club, supported by her father, Bandara Jayawardena. Tragically, Athapaththu had to withdraw from the Asia Cup squad in 2008 due to her father’s demise. However, this setback did not deter her spirit, and she made her international debut in 2009 against India, followed by her ODI debut in 2010.

In her 11th ODI, Athapaththu etched her name in history by becoming the first Sri Lankan woman to score an ODI century, setting the tone for her prolific career. Twelve years later, she remains the sole Sri Lankan to achieve this feat, holding the top ten scores – including eight centuries – for Sri Lanka in the format.

The turning point for Sri Lankan women’s cricket came in the 2013 World Cup, where they secured notable victories against England and India. Athapaththu’s contributions, including a crucial half-century against England and an unbeaten 178 against Australia in 2017, propelled Sri Lanka to new heights. Her fearless approach and hunger for success have not only impacted her individual performance but have also permeated the team culture.

In Sri Lankan women’s cricket, Shashikala Siriwardena, known for her conventional approach, contrasts with Athapaththu’s daring “see the ball, hit the ball” style. Despite this, Siriwardena acknowledges Athapaththu’s positive influence on team culture, instilling confidence and fearlessness with her hunger for success, reshaping the environment to encourage instinctual and bold play, reflecting a shift towards embracing innovation and freedom in the team’s approach to the game.

Athapaththu’s influence extends beyond the cricket field, as she became the first Sri Lankan woman to play in overseas leagues, participating in the Kia Super League and the Women’s Big Bash League. Her exposure to international leagues has not only enhanced her skills but also contributed to her growth as a leader, as noted by Siriwardena.

The recent bilateral series victory against New Zealand, where Athapaththu led the team to their first-ever series win, further solidifies her impact on Sri Lankan women’s cricket. The surge in attendance during the final ODI and T20I matches, particularly among young girls, reflects the growing popularity and inspiration that Athapaththu has generated.