Latest News
Chamari Athapaththu signs three-season WBBL deal with Sydney Thunder
![](http://island.lk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chamari-Athapaththu-WBBL.png)
Sydney Thunder have secured Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu’s services for the next three seasons via a pre-draft signing ahead WBBL 2024-25, which is set to begin on October 27.
Athapaththu, who played for Thunder last season as an undrafted player, filled the fourth overseas slot on their roster. She finished the season with a Player-of-the-Tournament performance in Thunder’s fourth-place finish, scoring 552 runs at 42.46 and taking nine wickets.
“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.”
Unlike in previous seasons where overseas players in the WBBL were contracted on a one-year basis, Athapaththu has signed under the league’s new multi-year contract provision. It allows each club to sign one overseas player for up to three years outside of the draft, which will take place on September 1
“Chamari is obviously an exceptional cricket player, but she is also an exceptional human being who is team first and fan first,” Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said. “We know other teams were interested in signing her, but we made every effort to ensure she came back. To see the way she embraced and engaged with our members and fans last summer was something pretty special and on the field she had one of the WBBL’s great seasons.”
Athapaththu has had stints in the WBBL previously with Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers. Last season, after not being selected in the draft, she was added to the Thunder squad as cover for their three overseas players. Thunder open their 2024-25 campaign against Hobart Hurricanes on October 28.
Sydney Thunder updated squad:
Chamari Athapaththu, Samantha Bates, Hannah Darlington, Saskia Horley, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Claire Moore, Taneale Peschel, Georgia Voll, Tahlia Wilson
[Cricinfo]
Latest News
Dr. Mrs. E. R. S. P. Edirimanne appointed Commissioner General of Agriculture
![](http://island.lk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Cabinet_Decisions-768x768-7.jpg)
The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to appoint Dr. Mrs. E. R. S. P. Edirimanne serving as a special grade officer in Sri Lanka Agriculture Service in the post of Additional Secretary (Agri Technology) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation as the Commissioner General of Agriculture,
Latest News
K H P Palitha Fernando appointed Director General of the Department of Civil Defense
![](http://island.lk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Cabinet_Decisions-768x768-5.jpg)
The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the resolution furnished by the President in his office as the Minister of Defense to appoint retired Major General of Sri Lanka Army, K. H.P. Palitha Fernando to the post of the Director General of the Department of Civil Defense with immediate effect on contract basis for a period of one (01) year.
Latest News
Landslide early warnings issued to Badulla , Kandy , Kurunegala , Matale
![](http://island.lk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LEWM-20-01-2025-16_00-images-3-scaled.jpg)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization [NBRO] has issued landslide early warnings to the districts of Badulla, Kandy Kurunegala and Matalae effective until 4.00pm today [21].
Accordingly,
Level II [Amber] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Doluwa and Ududumbara in the Kandy district and Rattota, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Ukuwela in the Matale district.
Level I [Yellow] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Passara, Badulla and Hali Ela in the Badulla district, Pahathadumbara, Medadumbara and Panvila in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district and Laggala Pallegama, Ambanganga Korale, Naula, Pallepola and Matale in the Matale district.
-
News7 days ago
FSP warns of Indian designs to swamp Sri Lanka
-
News6 days ago
Latest tax hike yields Rs. 7 bn profit windfall for tobacco companies
-
Features6 days ago
Myth of Free Education: A global perspective for Sri Lanka
-
Midweek Review7 days ago
SC gave country timely reprieve from visa scam:
-
Features3 days ago
IS THIS THE FINISH OF THE SRI LANKAN ELEPHANT?
-
Business7 days ago
Renowned British publisher calls on govt. to reconsider clamping 18% VAT on books
-
Business7 days ago
‘Amba Yaalu’ changes face of SL’s hospitality industry with all-women operated hotel
-
Opinion7 days ago
Sri Lanka’s new govt., Indo-Pacific debt trap, and struggle for the 21st Century – Part 2