Chamari Atapattu, currently playing for UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India, is set to withdraw from the final phase of the tournament to join the Sri Lankan squad for their upcoming tour of New Zealand.
Atapattu’s departure is expected to have a major impact on UP Warriorz, who are already without their regular captain, Alyssa Healy, due to injury. According to reports, she will continue playing for UP Warriorz until February 26, after which she will return to Sri Lanka before heading to New Zealand.
The UP Warriorz will face Mumbai Indians in Bangalore on February 26, followed by three final league-stage matches in Lucknow. The team has played just one match so far, where they suffered a defeat against Gujarat Giants, highlighting Atapattu’s importance to the squad.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named Chamari Atapattu as captain of the 16-member national squad for the New Zealand series, consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is starting March 4 in Napier.
The Sri Lankan team is set to depart for New Zealand on February 22, with reports confirming that New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr, the only Kiwi player in the WPL this season, will also miss the series.
