The Hobart Hurricanes have strengthened their squad ahead of the Girls’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2026-27 season with the signing of Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu as an overseas replacement player. The experienced all-rounder joins the reigning champions instead of England worldwide Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who has been ruled out of the event on account of harm. The Hurricanes have additionally handed a contract to emerging wicketkeeper-batter Kate Pelle following her spectacular performances within the latest Spring Problem in New South Wales.
The twin signings provide a well timed increase to the Hobart Hurricanes as they prepare for their WBBL 12 marketing campaign, which begins with their season opener towards the Melbourne Stars on Thursday. Presently ranked sixth within the ICC Girls’s T20I batting rankings, Athapaththu brings appreciable worldwide expertise, aggressive batting and proven match-winning skill to the defending champions.
One of the crucial influential cricketers in Sri Lankan women’s cricket, the 36-year-old has featured within the previous seven editions of the WBBL, representing the Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder across 69 matches. Her most memorable marketing campaign got here with the Sydney Thunder in WBBL 09, the place she gathered 552 runs at an impressive common of 42.46, together with five half-centuries. Her excellent performances earned her the Participant of the Event award. She additionally contributed 9 wickets during the season, highlighting her value as a genuine all-rounder.
Hurricanes Head of Excessive Efficiency Salliann Beams acknowledged the disappointment of losing Wyatt-Hodge however expressed pleasure about bringing a player of Athapaththu’s expertise and high quality into the squad. She additionally highlighted the Sri Lankan captain’s aggressive approach, management qualities and former success within the WBBL as important additions to the team.
Beams said the membership was wishing Wyatt-Hodge a speedy restoration whereas describing Athapaththu’s signing as a fantastic outcome. She believes the experienced batter’s fearless model of cricket matches perfectly with the Hurricanes’ approach and expects her to make a significant impression all through the event.
Meanwhile, Kate Pelle’s inclusion displays her spectacular performances during the latest Spring Problem. The emerging wicketkeeper-batter obtained an opportunity to open the batting within the absence of star opener Lizelle Lee and made the a lot of the accountability.
Pelle started her marketing campaign with a match-winning contribution of 61 runs from 55 deliveries towards the ACT Meteors before producing another promising innings of 43 off 32 balls towards the Perth Scorchers. She finished the four-match competition with 136 runs, demonstrating her skill to deal with high quality bowling attacks and contribute precious runs at the top of the order.
Having joined Tasmania’s domestic cricket programme after beforehand representing New South Wales, Pelle’s signing additionally gives the Hurricanes with additional wicketkeeping depth alongside Lee. Beams praised her confidence and composure, particularly contemplating the accountability of opening the batting in T20 cricket. She added that Pelle had totally earned her alternative via consistent performances and would offer precious flexibility to the squad.
With Athapaththu’s worldwide expertise and Pelle’s promising domestic form, the Hobart Hurricanes have added both proven high quality and emerging talent to their WBBL 12 squad. The reigning champions will now look to carry their momentum into the brand new season as they begin their title defence.
Hobart Hurricanes WBBL 12 Squad
Chamari Athapaththu (O/S), Nicola Carey, Heather Graham, Ella Hayward, Chinelle Henry (O/S), Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Kate Pelle, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Linsey Smith (O/S), Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Callie Wilson
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