By Ireshan Siriwardhana /
I have written about Chamari Athapaththu, the captain of the Sri Lanka women’s cricket team, focusing on two key aspects.
Firstly, I have highlighted Chamari Athapaththu’s role in inspiring and motivating our country’s girls, students, and young women to pursue cricket.
She actively encourages and nurtures the dream of young women wanting to become professional cricket players.
Secondly, I have emphasised Chamari’s deliberate efforts in building a robust Sri Lanka women’s team capable of winning matches independently of her contributions.
In some matches, Chamari specifically allowed other players to lead, showcasing her commitment to the team’s overall success.
I recently watched an in-depth discussion between Derana journalist Chatura Alwis and Chamari Athapaththu, which validated many of the points I have consistently made. The program was exceptionally insightful and provided valuable perspective.
A discussion where many things can be learned
Chatura proudly introduced Chamari as the symbolic figure of Sri Lankan women’s cricket, a statement that accurately reflects her impact on the sport.
However, at this juncture, Chamari has transcended her role as a representative of women’s cricket to become the face of Sri Lankan cricket. She holds unparalleled adoration and respect within the country’s cricketing fraternity.
Observing Chamari’s eloquent discourse, it becomes evident that she possesses a remarkable intellect.
Beyond cricket, she profoundly understands social issues and global matters. Her articulate and persuasive communication style has garnered admiration from both Chatura and the audience.
Delving into the philosophies that govern her life, she expressed the credo, “If no one says it can’t be done, be the first to do it,” which encapsulates her approach to life.
This guiding principle has likely played a pivotal role in her extraordinary success. Chamari Athapattu has achieved unprecedented milestones in Sri Lankan women’s cricket, setting new benchmarks that no other player had reached before.
She is the trailblazing Sri Lankan player who has accomplished such remarkable feats.
Chamari also spoke about the expansion of Sri Lankan women’s cricket
She elaborated on the regional disparities between the Sri Lankan men’s and women’s cricket teams, highlighting that the latter draws talent from diverse areas such as Monaragala, Kataragama, and Trincomalee.
Additionally, the conversation delved into the pivotal role played by the Sri Lanka Cricket Institute and Mrs Apsari Tillakaratne in expanding cricket to rural areas, particularly emphasising Apsari’s significant contribution to the women’s cricket movement.
However, doubts arose regarding whether Apsari received due recognition for her efforts.
In response, there was a decision to document the expansion of women’s cricket at the grassroots level and shed light on the individuals championing this cause.
Furthermore, Chamari expressed her deep respect for those who have contributed to the sport. She described her joy at the increased prominence of women’s cricket in the country, noting that fans now recognise numerous players by name.
Her enthusiasm was palpable as she spoke about her teammates and her earnest desire for other female athletes to receive the same level of attention and media coverage as she has.
It is a very rare human quality
During the discussion, Chamari highlighted Sri Lanka Cricket’s significant efforts to invest in women’s cricket.
She mentioned that the organisation is actively recruiting female players from rural areas and has established a program through the Sri Lanka Cricket Institute to provide substantial contracts to sixty female players.
Chamari also expressed her commitment to nurturing an interest in cricket among young girls and women in the country, aiming to instil a deep passion for the sport.
Chamari Athapattu is not just one athlete
Chamari passionately serves as an ambassador, carrying out her national duties with diligence and dedication.
She has spoken about her commitment to forming a team capable of achieving victory even in her absence, displaying a selfless and patriotic mindset.
Unlike many accomplished players, Chamari is not afraid of creating a legacy that extends beyond her own career, recognising that enduring talent and impact are what genuinely resonate with fans over time.
Chamari is different
She also had a very high reading of leadership experience.Chamari is a player who won the captaincy at the beginning of her cricket career.She said, ‘Certain things should be acquired at the right age’.
She said she felt the value of the experience when she was given leadership again. Now, she is fulfilling the leadership responsibility.She said that leading as a young player and leading now is very different.
Her story also serves as an example for the players involved in power politics and who create conflicts for leadership positions.Chamari also spoke about his personal goals and objectives.
It is clear from her story that she is a character who maintains many clear goals and objectives and makes maximum sacrifices to achieve them.
One of her goals is to become the world’s best ODI and T20 batter in the same period.Also, winning all three Best Women’s Awards in the same year at the ICC Awards is another dream of hers.Her ultimate goal is to win a World Cup with her team, Sri Lanka.
Chamari told a beautiful story in this discussion.That is, many people start the journey very well and know the final goal.
But they get lost in the middle of the journey. They fail to make the necessary sacrifices and maintain discipline.
That is why many people do not achieve their goals.The main reason for the collapse of the men’s team in this country was in her simple story.
That is the reason for the success of Chamari Athapattu.Although she is the best player in the world, her dreams are not over yet.She is still training. She still makes sacrifices to maintain her physical fitness.
“She also has a wealth of leadership experience. Chamari is a player who became captain at the beginning of her cricket career.
She believes that certain things should be learnt at a young age. She expressed that she truly understood the value of experience when she took on leadership responsibilities again. Leading as a young player and leading now are very different experiences for her.
Her story is an example of players involved in power struggles and those who create conflicts in leadership positions. Chamari also discussed her personal goals and objectives.
Her story shows that she has clear goals and objectives, and she makes significant sacrifices to achieve them.
One of her goals is to become the top ODI and T20 batter in the world concurrently. Another dream of hers is to win all three Best Women’s Awards in the same year at the ICC Awards. Her ultimate goal is to win a World Cup with her team, Sri Lanka.
Chamari shared a poignant story during the discussion. She emphasised that many people start their journey well and have a clear final goal, but they often lose their way in the middle.
They fail to make the necessary sacrifices and maintain discipline, which prevents them from achieving their goals. According to her, the collapse of the men’s team in this country is rooted in this simple story. This is why Chamari Athapattu has been successful.
Even though she is the best player in the world, her dreams are far from over. She continues to train and make sacrifices to maintain her physical fitness.”
She is the richest cricketer in this country
She is the highest-paid player in Sri Lanka Cricket. She earns money by signing contracts with numerous agencies and brands. Additionally, she has played in several leagues and has earned a considerable amount of money. However, her cricket career is far from over.
Rather than resting and enjoying her earnings, she continues playing and striving to fulfil her national goals and dreams.
Chamari Athapattu is not driven solely by money but by her ambitions and aspirations. Her dedication and determination set her apart, making her a remarkable player.
Numerous valuable lessons can be derived from the life of Chamari Athapattu, not only for cricketers and other athletes but for everyone in the country.
She is a one-of-a-kind, perfect player
“A complete athlete embodies hard work, dedication, talent, patriotism, and intelligence.
In certain times of crisis, nature creates perfect humans with answers to those crises. Such people change the destiny of their community. Chamari Athapattu is as perfect as a player created by nature to build women’s cricket in this country.”
