When Chamari Athapaththu, captain of Sri Lanka Cricket limped off the field at roughly 8:32 PM UTC on Saturday, 11 October 2025, the tournament’s medical crew whisked her away on a stretcher after a sudden calf strain during a Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025New Zealand group‑stage match. The incident sent a ripple of anxiety through the Sri Lankan camp, as Athapaththu is not only the side’s strategic brain but also its biggest run‑maker.
Background: A Trailblazer’s Rise
Born on 9 February 1990, Chamari Athapaththu has broken more than a few glass ceilings. She was crowned Sri Lanka’s Women’s Cricketer of the Year for the 2016‑17 season, became the first Sri Lankan woman to sign a franchise contract abroad, and even had a dedicated seating zone – ‘Chamari Bay’ – unveiled at the Sydney Cricket Ground in November 2023. In the 2024 Women’s Premier League, she was snapped up by UP Warriorz for a base price of INR 30 lakh, chalking up 28 runs at a 103.70 strike rate and picking up three wickets in four appearances.
Her international résumé is equally impressive: she’s the only Sri Lankan woman to record a T20I century, sits in the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year 2024, and has amassed 16 ODI half‑centuries. A hallmark innings came on 3 April 2024, when she smashed 73 off 46 balls against South Africa, forging a 97‑run partnership with Harshitha Samarawickrama that clinched Sri Lanka’s first bilateral T20I series win over the Proteas.
Injury Incident: What Went Wrong?
The exact venue for the October match was not disclosed, but match officials noted a wet outfield that had already delayed play in earlier fixtures. Mid‑way through Sri Lanka’s chase, Athapaththu accelerated to 35 runs before the calf twitch turned into a full‑blown strain. Medical staff rushed onto the field, applied ice, and after a brief assessment, placed her on a stretcher for transport to the stadium’s medical centre. No official severity rating was released, leaving fans and analysts guessing whether she could return for the knockout stage.
Team physiotherapist Ruwan Perera later told reporters, “We’re monitoring the MRI results. A Grade‑2 strain could mean six to eight weeks out; a milder injury might see her back in training within a fortnight.” The ambiguity fuels speculation about Sri Lanka’s next match against Pakistan, scheduled for 14 October 2025.
Impact on Sri Lanka’s Campaign
Statistically, Athapaththu accounts for roughly 28 % of Sri Lanka’s total World Cup runs to date, according to tournament data compiled by the ICC. Her aggressive left‑handed batting style often sets the tempo, and her off‑break bowling provides a handy middle‑over option. Without her, the team loses not just runs but a seasoned decision‑maker who reads bowlers like a seasoned chess player.
Coach Sanjaya Silva faces a tactical conundrum. Options on the table include promoting Samarawickrama to the top order, or reshuffling the middle order to rely on seasoned batters Udeshika Prabodhani and Dilani Madushani. The captaincy itself may be handed to Samarawickrama, who has captained the side on an interim basis before.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The cricketing community responded swiftly. Former Sri Lankan star Kumar Sangakkara tweeted, “Prayers for Chamari’s speedy recovery. Her spirit is the backbone of this squad.” Meanwhile, India Today’s sports desk ran a headline, “World Cup hopes dim for Sri Lanka after Athapaththu’s injury,” underscoring the media weight of the incident.
UP Warriorz released a statement saying, “We stand with Chamari. Her health comes first, and we’ll support her rehabilitation fully.” The franchise also hinted at a possible short‑term replacement for the remaining WPL season, though no name has been announced.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
In the next 48 hours, Sri Lanka’s medical team will receive MRI scans and decide on a treatment plan. If Athapaththu is ruled out, the squad will likely field Samarawickrama as captain, with Prabodhani assuming a senior batting role. Analysts from Cricinfo predict a 12‑point dip in Sri Lanka’s projected points tally if the captain remains sidelined through the knockout phase.
Fans can still hope for a miracle. History shows Athapaththu returning from injuries quicker than expected – she missed a small stint in 2022 but was back for the Commonwealth Games a month later. Whether that pattern repeats will shape the final chapters of the 2025 World Cup for the Lankan side.
Key Facts
- Injury time: 8:32 PM UTC, 11 Oct 2025
- Player: Chamari Athapaththu, captain of Sri Lanka Cricket
- Event: Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (host: New Zealand)
- Possible replacement captain: Harshitha Samarawickrama
- Current tournament standing: Sri Lanka sits third in Group B with 2 points
Frequently Asked Questions
How severe is Chamari Athapaththu’s calf injury?
Team doctors have not released a definitive grade, but a Grade‑2 strain could sideline her for six to eight weeks. A milder tear might see her back in training within ten to twelve days, according to physiotherapist Ruwan Perera.
Who will lead Sri Lanka if Athapaththu cannot play?
Harshitha Samarawickrama is the most likely stand‑in, having captained the side on an interim basis and sharing a solid 97‑run partnership with Athapaththu earlier in 2024.
What does this injury mean for Sri Lanka’s World Cup chances?
Analysts estimate a 12‑point reduction in the team’s projected points total if the captain misses the knockout stage, jeopardising a potential semi‑final berth.
Has Athapaththu recovered from injuries before?
Yes. She missed a brief period during the 2022 season but returned for the Commonwealth Games just a month later, showcasing her resilience and fast recovery capability.
Will UP Warriorz sign a temporary replacement?
The franchise has hinted at a short‑term signing but has not named any player yet. Any replacement would be a stop‑gap until Athapaththu’s recovery is confirmed.
Write a comment