Sydney Thunder snap up Chamari Athapaththu on 3-year deal

Sri Lanka Women captain Chamari Athapaththu has signed for Sydney Thunder on a three-year deal ahead of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024-25 season. Athapaththu, who put in a stellar performance last season, walked away with the Player of the Tournament for scoring 552 runs at 42.46 and also chipped in with nine wickets with the ball as her side finished fourth.

"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 teammates 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."

Up until last season, an overseas player was allowed to sign only for a year, but this season onwards, players can sign a multi-year deal, which is permitted outside 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 also played for Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers in the past. She was not picked in the draft last season but was added as the fourth overseas player in the squad later on. The Thunder begin their WBBL campaign against Hobart Hurricanes in Hobart on October 28.

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