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.
2. Captaincy record and leadership credentials
Athapaththu's captaincy record adds another dimension to her profile. Under her leadership, Sri Lanka registered their first T20I series wins over South Africa and England, and a maiden ODI series win against New Zealand. She also led Sri Lanka to their first T20 World Cup win over South Africa, scoring 68 off 50 balls in that match and earning the Player of the Match award.
Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup in 2024 under her captaincy and finished as runners-up at the 2026 Asia Cup in the UAE. Athapaththu's leadership credentials make her an attractive option for any franchise looking to strengthen their overseas core.
1. Strong recent form ahead of the auction
Athapaththu's recent form ahead of the auction further strengthens her case. In the Bangladesh T20I series in April-May 2026, which Sri Lanka won 3-0, she was the leading run-scorer with 115 runs at an average of 38.33 and a strike rate of 122.34. She was also the series' top wicket-taker with 4 wickets, confirming her all-round value at the highest level.
Her ICC Women's T20 World Cup record of 711 runs across 32 innings at a strike rate of 102.15, including three half-centuries, adds to a profile that covers batting, bowling and big-match experience. With only 7 overseas slots available across all franchises, Athapaththu is likely to generate strong interest when bidding opens on October 28, 2026.
