The Hobart Hurricanes have strengthened their squad ahead of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2026-27 season with the signing of Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu as an overseas replacement player. The experienced all-rounder joins the reigning champions in place of England international Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The Hurricanes have also handed a contract to emerging wicketkeeper-batter Kate Pelle following her impressive performances in the recent Spring Challenge in New South Wales.
The dual signings provide a timely boost to the Hobart Hurricanes as they prepare for their WBBL 12 campaign, which begins with their season opener against the Melbourne Stars on Thursday. Currently ranked sixth in the ICC Women’s T20I batting rankings, Athapaththu brings considerable international experience, aggressive batting and proven match-winning ability to the defending champions.
One of the most influential cricketers in Sri Lankan women’s cricket, the 36-year-old has featured in the previous seven editions of the WBBL, representing the Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder across 69 matches. Her most memorable campaign came with the Sydney Thunder in WBBL 09, where she accumulated 552 runs at an impressive average of 42.46, including five half-centuries. Her outstanding performances earned her the Player of the Tournament award. She also contributed nine wickets during the season, highlighting her value as a genuine all-rounder.
Hurricanes Head of High Performance Salliann Beams acknowledged the disappointment of losing Wyatt-Hodge but expressed excitement about bringing a player of Athapaththu’s experience and quality into the squad. She also highlighted the Sri Lankan captain’s aggressive approach, leadership qualities and previous success in the WBBL as important additions to the team.
Beams said the club was wishing Wyatt-Hodge a speedy recovery while describing Athapaththu’s signing as a fantastic outcome. She believes the experienced batter’s fearless style of cricket fits perfectly with the Hurricanes’ approach and expects her to make a significant impact throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, Kate Pelle’s inclusion reflects her impressive performances during the recent Spring Challenge. The emerging wicketkeeper-batter received an opportunity to open the batting in the absence of star opener Lizelle Lee and made the most of the responsibility.
Pelle began her campaign with a match-winning contribution of 61 runs from 55 deliveries against the ACT Meteors before producing another promising innings of 43 off 32 balls against the Perth Scorchers. She finished the four-match competition with 136 runs, demonstrating her ability to handle quality bowling attacks and contribute valuable runs at the top of the order.
Having joined Tasmania’s domestic cricket programme after previously representing New South Wales, Pelle’s signing also provides the Hurricanes with additional wicketkeeping depth alongside Lee. Beams praised her confidence and composure, particularly considering the responsibility of opening the batting in T20 cricket. She added that Pelle had thoroughly earned her opportunity through consistent performances and would offer valuable flexibility to the squad.
With Athapaththu’s international experience and Pelle’s promising domestic form, the Hobart Hurricanes have added both proven quality and emerging talent to their WBBL 12 squad. The reigning champions will now look to carry their momentum into the new season as they begin their title defence.
Hobart Hurricanes WBBL 12 Squad
Chamari Athapaththu (O/S), Nicola Carey, Heather Graham, Ella Hayward, Chinelle Henry (O/S), Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Kate Pelle, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Linsey Smith (O/S), Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Callie Wilson
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