Chamari Athapaththu Commits to Playing for Sri Lanka Until 2025 ODI World Cup
Chamari Athapaththu, the stalwart of Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team, has announced her intention to continue representing her country until at least the 2025 ODI World Cup. This revelation comes on the heels of Sri Lanka’s triumphant victory in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, held in Dambulla.
Athapaththu’s Remarkable Performance
Athapaththu, 34, has been a linchpin for the Sri Lankan team, leading by example both as a captain and a top-order batter. Her contributions were pivotal in Sri Lanka clinching the Asia Cup title. She scored a blistering 61 off 43 balls in the final against India, guiding her team to a record chase of 168 runs. Throughout the tournament, Athapaththu amassed 304 runs in five innings, maintaining a strike rate of 147. Her performance made her the tournament’s top run-scorer, far outpacing her peers. India’s Shafali Verma was the second-highest run-scorer with 200 runs at a strike rate of 141.
Future Plans Amid Retirement Speculations
Athapaththu had previously hinted at an impending retirement. In April, she posted on social media that the series in South Africa would be her “last duty” with the national team. This fueled speculations about her future in international cricket. However, following the Asia Cup victory, Athapaththu confirmed her commitment to continue playing at least until the next 50-over World Cup in 2025, which will be hosted by India.
“Hopefully I’ll still play till the next 50-over World Cup,” Athapaththu told the host broadcaster when asked if she would continue to don Sri Lanka colors for a long time. This means Athapaththu will be a key player in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October 2024 and the subsequent ODI World Cup in 2025.
Impact on Sri Lankan Women’s Cricket
Athapaththu’s decision to stay on is a significant boost for Sri Lankan women’s cricket. As the team’s captain and most experienced player, her presence adds immense value not only through her performances but also through her leadership and mentorship to younger players. Her determination and resilience have often been the backbone of Sri Lanka’s cricketing achievements.
Under her captaincy, Sri Lanka’s women’s team has seen a transformation, especially with the appointment of Rumesh Ratnayake as the head coach. Ratnayake’s tenure, which began on an interim basis before the 2023 T20 World Cup, has been marked by a renewed sense of confidence and self-belief within the team. This newfound mentality was evident in their Asia Cup campaign, where they overcame numerous challenges to emerge victorious.
Road Ahead
With the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh just a few months away, Sri Lanka will be looking to build on their Asia Cup success. Athapaththu’s experience and form will be crucial as they prepare to face some of the best teams in the world. Her role will not only be to score runs but also to guide the team tactically and emotionally through the pressures of international tournaments.
Looking further ahead, the 2025 ODI World Cup in India presents another opportunity for Athapaththu and her team to showcase their talents on a global stage. Sri Lanka will aim to make a significant impact in the tournament, with Athapaththu leading the charge.
Conclusion
Chamari Athapaththu’s announcement to continue playing until the 2025 ODI World Cup is a significant development for Sri Lankan cricket. Her leadership and exceptional performance in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 have already cemented her legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers. As she gears up for future challenges, Athapaththu remains a beacon of inspiration and a crucial asset for her team.
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