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Chamari Athapaththu Eyes Long-Term Future, Boosting Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup Hopes

Sri Lanka women's cricket captain Chamari Athapaththu has expressed her desire to continue her international career well beyond the next couple of years. Head coach Jamie Siddons revealed her long-term commitment, which comes as a significant boost for the team preparing for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup. The 36-year-old all-rounder remains in excellent form, recently topping the run charts in series victories against the West Indies. Sri Lanka will now look to build around her experience while developing bench strength for the upcoming global tournament.

Key Points: Chamari Athapaththu Plans Career Beyond 2 Years: Coach

  • Veteran captain commits long-term
  • In top form after Windies series
  • Second-most capped T20I captain
  • Team building for 2026 World Cup
  • Placed in competitive Group 2
2 min read

"Athapaththu is keen to play for a lot longer than one or two more years": SL women's head coach Siddons

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu is keen to extend her international career long-term, providing a major boost ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

"She is keen to play for a lot longer than one or two more years. - Jamie Siddons"

Colombo, April 8

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu has expressed her desire to continue playing international cricket beyond the next few years, providing a major boost to the team's preparations for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.

Head coach Jamie Siddons revealed that the veteran all-rounder remains highly motivated and committed to extending her already illustrious career.

"I've had a great chat with her. She is keen to play for a lot longer than one or two more years," Siddons said, underlining Athapaththu's long-term plans, according to the ICC.

The 36-year-old's decision comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka, with the marquee tournament fast approaching.

Athapaththu has been in fine form, recently finishing as her side's top scorer in both the ODI and T20I series victories against the West Indies. Siddons also highlighted her dominance in practice matches, suggesting she still has plenty to offer at the highest level.

A cornerstone of Sri Lanka's batting line-up, Athapaththu has led the side in 108 Women's T20 Internationals, the second-most by any captain in the format, behind India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.

She is also among the leading run-scorers in Women's T20Is, with 3,637 runs in 154 matches, including three centuries and 14 half-centuries.

While her experience remains invaluable, Siddons indicated that Sri Lanka will also look to build bench strength ahead of the global event. The team has a challenging schedule lined up, including a home series against England, followed by assignments against West Indies and New Zealand, before travelling to Bangladesh for further preparation.

In the last Women's T20 World Cup, the Lankan side finished at the bottom of Group A in the points table after losing all four matches.

Sri Lanka have been placed in Group 2 for the tournament this year, alongside hosts England, West Indies, Ireland, Scotland and defending champions New Zealand, setting up a competitive path as they aim to make a strong impact on the world stage.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As an Indian fan, I have huge respect for Athapaththu. She's a genuine match-winner, like our Harmanpreet Kaur. Good for Sri Lanka that she wants to continue. Their batting relies so heavily on her. The bench strength point by Siddons is crucial though.
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Aman W
At 36, her fitness and drive must be incredible. It shows how professional the women's game has become. Hope the SL board supports her and builds a strong team around her for 2026. The group looks tough with England and NZ.
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Sarah B
While her experience is invaluable, I respectfully think the coach's focus should be equally on finding her successor. They can't depend on one player forever, especially after losing all matches in the last World Cup. Time to blood some young talent alongside her.
K
Karthik V
Three centuries in T20Is is no joke! She's a legend of the game. Wishing her all the best. More such stalwarts will only make women's cricket in the subcontinent stronger. Maybe an IPL contract soon? 🤞
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Nisha Z
Great to hear! She brings so much fire to the field. Hope the upcoming series against England and others gives the younger players a chance to step up under her leadership. The schedule is packed, perfect for building a team.

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