Chamari Atapattu became the first Sri Lankan women’s cricketer to sign a contract with a franchise-based T20 league earlier this week. The Yorkshire Diamonds got hold of Atapattu for the second edition of the Kia Super League starting August 10th 2017.
The Sri Lankan will replace Aussie batsman Beth Mooney who will stay out due to injury.
Atapattu holds the record for the third highest score in one-day international cricket. She smashed an unbeaten 178 in the recently concluded Women’s world cup match against Australia.
“I was on holiday with my family in Anuradhapura when I got a call, asking if I’m available. I said yes immediately. it was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect to play in the T20 league because most of the teams had already announced their squads. Playing in the Women’s Big Bash League was my original target, but this is a great opportunity. I wasn’t expecting it, but now I’m looking forward to learning a lot. This is a great step, not just for my career but also for women’s cricket in Sri Lanka,” said Chamari Atapattu (ESPN Cricinfo).
