UP Warriorz bring in Athapaththu as Lauren Bell's replacement

UP Warriorz have brought in Chamari Athapaththu as a replacement for Lauren Bell ahead of the upcoming Women’s Premier League. England’s fast bowler Bell has made herself unavailable for the upcoming season.

Despite being one of the most consistent batters in 2023, the Sri Lankan skipper went unsold in the auction. In 2023, the left-hander amassed 1390 runs in 42 innings at an average of 35.64 and a strike rate of 131.8. On top of that, she also scalped 27 wickets with her off-spin.

He was phenomenal in the last edition of Women’s Big Bash League. Playing for Sydney Thunder, the batter emerged as the second-highest run-getter, amassing 552 runs @ 42.46 and a strike rate of 127.18. She was named Player of the Series.

Overall, the 33-year-old has featured in 122 T20Is for Sri Lanka. She has been signed for her base price of INR 30 lakh. “I am grateful to the UP Warriorz and Capri Sports for choosing to put their faith in me for the upcoming season of the Women’s Premier League,” she said.

“I look forward to giving my best to the team and working closely with head coach Jon Lewis and skipper Alyssa Healy and help my team lift the coveted title. The WPL is a very dynamic tournament, and the UP Warriorz is a strong squad.”

Meanwhile, UP Warriorz’s COO Kshemal Waingankar said: “It is unfortunate that Lauren won’t be a part of our squad this season but we wish her the best for the summer. That said, we are very excited to bring Chamari Athapaththu on board with the UP Warriorz.

“She has been a stalwart of T20I cricket for over a decade and we look forward to bringing her on board with us. She has been a great ambassador for women’s cricket all over the world, and we are delighted to have her experience and knowhow among our ranks this season.”

Alyssa Healy-led Warriorz will commence their WPL 2024 campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore on February 24.