3 reasons why Chamari Athapaththu will attract big bids in WPL auction 2027?

The WPL 2027 player auction is scheduled to take place in Kochi, Kerala, on October 28, 2026. A total of 146 players will compete for 27 available slots across franchises, with 7 of those slots reserved for overseas players.

Among the 27 overseas players in the pool, Chamari Athapaththu stands out as one of the most experienced names. The left-handed batting all-rounder from Sri Lanka has been active in international cricket since 2009 and will be 36 years old on auction day.

3 reasons why Chamari Athapaththu will attract big bids in WPL auction 2027:

3. Proven all-round ability in T20 cricket

Chamari Athapaththu has accumulated 4,311 runs in 172 WT20I matches at a strike rate of 115.10, with 4 centuries and 16 fifties to her name. Her highest score is 119 not out. She also holds a remarkable bowling record of 92 wickets in T20 internationals, with best figures of 7/5 and an economy rate of 6.66.

In the WBBL 2023-24 season with Sydney Thunder, Athapaththu scored 552 runs in 14 innings at an average of 42.46 and a strike rate of 127.18, including five half-centuries, while also picking up 9 wickets at an economy of 6. That franchise record underlines her value as a genuine match-winner in T20 leagues.