On Friday (August 16), there were significant moves made by teams in Australia's Big Bash League. Syndey Thunder signed Sri Lankan star Chamari Athapaththu on a three-year contract, while Perth Scorchers signed Sophie Devine and are reportedly in talks with Finn Allen.
Chamari Athapaththu signs three-year deal with Sydney Thunder
Last year, a Facebook post from Athapththu went viral after she did not receive contracts in the Hundred, WBBL or India's WPL despite her stellar performances for Sri Lanka. Fast-forward to now, and she has played for Oval Invincibles, UP Warriorz and Sydney Thunder.
Signing as a replacement player for the Thunder in last year's WBBL, she ended up as the Player of the Tournament, registering 552 runs and nine wickets in 15 matches. Last month, Athapaththu also led Sri Lanka to a historic Women's Asia Cup triumph.
On Friday, the Thunder announced the signing of Athapaththu on a three-year contract under the WBBL's new signing rules ahead of the 2024 season. These multi-year contracts now allow teams to secure one overseas player for up to three years before the player draft takes place.
"Realistically, England aren't going to find their magic player to do both roles in the series in the absence of Ben Stokes but there are options on the county circuit, who could have been given a call-up in his absence."
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) August 15, 2024
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Athapththu is now contractually obliged to be available for the WBBL in 2025, 2026 and 2027. The other players signed ahead of the draft in this manner so far have been Amelia Kerr (Sydney Sixers), Nadine de Klerk (Brisbane Heat), Marizanne Kapp (Melbourne Stars) and Hayley Matthews (Melbourne Renegades).
Speaking on the new deal, Athapaththu said, "Committing to Sydney Thunder for the next three seasons was an easy decision because I believe in the vision of this club, and I want to be part of its future success.
"My teammates are not just colleagues; they are friends who push each other to be better every day, (which) is important to me. It's been an incredible journey so far, and I'm so excited for what's ahead."
Sophie Devine renews for Perth Scorchers; club reportedly in talks with Finn Allen
In othe significant news on Friday, Perth Scorchers confirmed that New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine would return to the club for a further two years. Devine was a vital part of the Scorchers' campaign in last year's WBBL, as she scored 489 runs and picked up 14 wickets.
Scorchers general manager Kade Harvey hailed Devine's leadership skills, and said that as one of the game's premium all-rounders, "locking her into a multi-year deal was a straightforward decision."
On the men's side of operations for the Scorchers, a report from the West Australian has said that New Zealand opening batter Finn Allen has signed a two-year deal with the club. News emerged yesterday that Allen had turned down a central contract with New Zealand Cricket, in order to focus on franchise cricket.
He is reportedly seen by the Scorchers as a replacement for Englishman Zak Crawley, who played the second half of last season.
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