'I don’t want to take any pressure' - Chamari Athapaththu ahead of WPL 2024

Chamari Athapaththu, who went unsold in the WPL (Women's Premier League) 2024 auction, was recently picked by the UP Warriorz to play in the forthcoming edition. Athapaththu, one of the most consistent all-rounders in the women’s game, went unsold in the 2023 auction, raising the eyebrows of many.

Meanwhile, she has been picked by Warriorz as a replacement of England’s Lauren Bell, as the latter withdrew from the tournament to represent the national side in the T20I series against New Zealand. The Sri Lankan cricketer will play alongside Grace Harris, Danni Wyatt and skipper Alyssa Healy in the WPL. After being picked for the tournament, the 33-year-old stated that she did not want to put herself under any pressure and wants focus on her natural game.

“Every game is important for me. So, this is a good opportunity for me and I just want to play my natural game. I don’t want to take any pressure on my shoulders and, rather, enjoy my time in the middle. It’s a competition and I want to take one game at a time. So, I will try and keep things simple and play my natural game,” Athapaththu told India Today in a media interaction, conducted by the Warriorz.

I am super excited because of the atmosphere in India: Athapaththu

The 33-year-old further spoke about her experience of playing in India, stating she is "super excited" to play there again. 

“I had a few good experiences in India, especially in the Women’s T20 Challenge where massive crowds came to see us play. I hope spectators will come to watch us even in the WPL. It’s a different atmosphere altogether, and I am super excited because of the atmosphere and cheers from the crowd,” Athapaththu added.