Whenever Sri Lankan women’s cricket is mentioned, the name Chamari Athapaththu is almost certain to come up. But do you know about the Sri Lankan women’s cricketer’s family, personal life, and cricket journey? Let’s take a look.
Chaamari Athapathtu’s Early Life and Family Background
The 36-year-old cricketer was born on February 9, 1990, in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, and is the only child of her parents. Her father died in 2008 when the cricketer was just 17 and was about to make her international debut. Talking about Chamari Athapaththu’s mother, she is a nurse who retired after the death of her husband.
The Sri Lanka women’s cricket captain completed her schooling at Gokarella Central College before moving to Ibbagamuwa Central College after receiving a scholarship.
How Chamari Athapaththu Started Her Cricket Journey
Chamari was just five years old when she first picked up a cricket bat, which was given to her by her uncle, a local cricket coach. Inspired by Sanath Jayasuriya during the 1996 World Cup era, the women’s cricketer also dreamed of playing at an international level.
Before that, in the 2000s, Chamari entered domestic cricket, playing for Colts Cricket Club and Kurunegala Youth Cricket Club.
2009 was the year when the batting all-rounder’s dream of playing international cricket finally came true. At just 19, Chamari made her debut against India in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, followed by her ODI debut in April 2010.
In 2011, the Kurunegala-born cricketer showed the world what she was capable of by scoring her maiden ODI century against Ireland. Then came 2017, when Chamari Athapaththu created history against Australia in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, smashing 178, one of the highest scores in women’s cricket at the time.
Her consistency led to her becoming Sri Lanka’s captain in 2018. In 2023, Chamari was named ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.
Her bat did not stop there. In 2024, she smashed an unbeaten 195 against South Africa, one of the highest individual scores in women’s ODIs. The same year, as captain, she led Sri Lanka to their first-ever Women’s Asia Cup title, beating India in the final.
Chamari Athapaththu’s Relationship Status and Personal Life
The Sri Lankan all-rounder, who bowls right-arm off-break, is highly focused on her cricket career and captaincy. She has never publicly discussed her dating or personal life. Chamari is unmarried and currently single.