Hobart Hurricanes have pulled off a late rescue act. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu has signed as an overseas replacement for WBBL|12, just days before the season starts.
She steps in for England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who has been ruled out with a calf injury. That is a big loss. Wyatt-Hodge topped the Hurricanes’ run charts in their title-winning WBBL|11 season, with 432 runs at 48.00, and she was named the club’s player of the year. The club confirmed the signing in their official announcement.
But the replacement is no stopgap. Athapaththu is ranked sixth in the ICC women’s T20I batting rankings, and she has played seven WBBL seasons for three clubs. Her best year came with Sydney Thunder in WBBL|09, when she scored 552 runs and took nine wickets to win Player of the Tournament.
A fourth club, and a quick start
Hobart will be her fourth WBBL club after Perth, Melbourne Renegades and Thunder. She does not need time to settle. She knows this league well, and she can bat at the top and bowl handy off-spin.
The timing could not be tighter. Hurricanes open their title defence against Melbourne Stars at Junction Oval on Thursday, 29 October. Young keeper-batter Kate Pelle has also signed after a strong Spring Challenge, where she scored 136 runs in four games.
Losing your top scorer days out from a season is rough. Landing a former Player of the Tournament softens the blow.
Who did Chamari Athapaththu replace at Hobart Hurricanes?
Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who was ruled out of WBBL|12 with a calf injury. Wyatt-Hodge was the Hurricanes’ top scorer in their WBBL|11 title win.
When do Hobart Hurricanes start WBBL|12?
On Thursday, 29 October 2026, against Melbourne Stars at Junction Oval. It is the first game of their title defence.
See the BBL 2027 squads and Thunder’s other late WBBL signing.
Last verified: 27 October 2026.