After being named as the replacement for Lauren Bell who pulled out of WPL 2024, Chamari opens on her snub at the initial auction.
Chamari on WPL 2024 auction snub
Chamari Athapaththu was not picked up in the WPL 2024 auction but was added to the UP Warriorz squad after England’s Lauren Bell withdraw from the league.
The Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu said that she was surprised to be not selected in the WPL auction and added that the rejection motivates her.
Chamari was named as the ICC Women’s ODI team of the Year 2023 after emerging as the WBBL’s second-highest run-scorer.
“I was not shocked, I was surprised because they didn’t pick me after the auction but these things are not in my control,” said Athapaththu.
“I think (about) what I can control, I don’t want to take too much pressure on my shoulders because these decisions are taken by someone, some coaches, some (people in the) management.
“I always think (about) what I can control. I can control my batting and my bowling. I take these decisions in good spirits and do my best. If someone asks me, ‘Are you coming?’ Then I say, ‘Okay, I’ll come’. If someone requests, I can accept that request,” said Athapaththu.
To be noted Athapaththu had an average of around 70 in ODIs. The 33-year-old player has played around 98 ODIs and 122 T20Is at the time of writing.
“Actually, rejection is some kind of motivation for me. It’s good for me because sometimes I can learn and I want to show what I can do,” she said.
“If someone says it can’t be done, be the first to do it—that’s my philosophy. I just want to prove what I can do.”
“I got the opportunity in the WBBL (at the) last minute as a replacement player. I grabbed that opportunity with both hands,” the Sri Lankan star added.
With the WPL 2024 set to start on February 23, the first match will be played between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
