Sri Lanka’s Athapaththu commits beyond 2026

Chamari Athapaththu has assured head coach Jamie Siddons she intends to extend her international career well past the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, a major lift for Sri Lanka as preparations intensify. The 36‑year‑old remains in exceptional form, having dominated West Indies in recent ODI and T20I wins, and Siddons believes she can continue at the highest level for years.

Already the second‑most experienced captain in Women’s T20Is and the format’s fourth‑highest run‑scorer, Athapaththu remains the backbone of Sri Lanka’s lineup. Her leadership and consistency will be crucial as the team enters a challenging World Cup group featuring England, West Indies, Ireland, Scotland and defending champions New Zealand.

Siddons, while thrilled with Athapaththu’s commitment, also plans to blood new talent during upcoming fixtures, including a key tour of Bangladesh. With a blend of emerging players and their enduring star, Sri Lanka aims to build momentum toward a demanding global campaign.