The UP Warriorz (UPW) team is facing a significant setback in the ongoing Women’s Premier League 2025 (WPL 2025) as star player Chamari Athapaththu is set to leave the tournament early to join the Sri Lankan national team for their upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand. The Sri Lanka women’s national cricket team will be starting their series in New Zealand from March 4 in Napier.
### Chamari Athapaththu’s Departure
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has already instructed Chamari Athapaththu to leave the WPL 2025 to fulfill her national commitments. As the captain of the 16-member squad for the upcoming tour, Athapaththu will play her last game for UP Warriorz against Mumbai Indians in Bengaluru on February 26. This early departure will leave UPW without their key player for the final league phase in Lucknow, where they will play three home matches without the Sri Lankan skipper.
### Impact on UP Warriorz
This departure comes as a second major blow to UP Warriorz, who are already missing their full-time captain Alyssa Healy due to injury in the ongoing Women’s Premier League 2025. However, the franchise will now be eager to capitalize on Chamari Athapaththu’s experience in the remaining WPL games she will participate in.
### Commitment to WPL
Meanwhile, New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr is the only player from her country who will be available for the entire duration of the Women’s Premier League 2025. Unlike Athapaththu, Kerr has decided to stay committed to the WPL and will play through the entire tournament, including the knockout stages if her team, Mumbai Indians (MI), qualifies.
### Future of Women’s Premier League
The Women’s Premier League is set to undergo a schedule change in 2026, moving from February-March to January-February, as per the new Women’s Future Tours Programme (FTP). This change aims to prevent clashes with international series and other T20 leagues. Separate windows have been allocated for the Hundred in August and the WBBL in November until 2029 to ensure smooth coordination with international cricket schedules.
### Next Match for UP Warriorz
The UPW team will be facing Delhi Capitals in their second game in the ongoing WPL 2025 on February 19 (Wednesday). Despite the setbacks with key players leaving early, the team will be looking to regroup and put up a strong performance in the upcoming matches.
In conclusion, the departure of Chamari Athapaththu will undoubtedly impact UP Warriorz, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their skills in the remaining matches of the Women’s Premier League 2025. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting cricket action in the league.
### Player Replacement Strategy
With Chamari Athapaththu’s departure from UP Warriorz, the team management is facing a crucial decision on finding a suitable replacement to fill the void left by the star player. The team may look to shuffle the batting order or bring in a new player to balance the squad effectively. This situation also presents an opportunity for young talents within the team to showcase their skills and make a mark in the league.
### Resilience and Team Spirit
The absence of key players like Chamari Athapaththu and Alyssa Healy due to national commitments and injury highlights the importance of resilience and team spirit in UP Warriorz. The team will need to come together, support each other, and adapt their strategies to overcome these challenges. This period can serve as a test of character for the players and help them grow stronger as a unit.
### Impact on Popularizing Women’s Cricket
The participation of international stars like Chamari Athapaththu and Amelia Kerr in the Women’s Premier League 2025 not only boosts the competitiveness of the tournament but also helps in popularizing women’s cricket globally. Their involvement in domestic leagues showcases the talent and skill level of female cricketers, encouraging more young girls to take up the sport and dream of representing their countries at the highest level.
### League Development and Expansion
The schedule change for the Women’s Premier League in 2026 reflects a strategic move towards the development and expansion of women’s cricket leagues. By aligning the league timings with the Women’s Future Tours Programme and creating windows for other prominent T20 leagues, the organizers aim to create a more structured and sustainable platform for women’s cricket, attracting more sponsors, viewers, and players.
### Fan Engagement and Support
As UP Warriorz navigate through challenges with key players departing early, the role of fans and supporters becomes crucial in boosting the team’s morale and motivation. The franchise can leverage social media platforms, interactive fan events, and digital campaigns to engage with their audience, create a sense of community, and garner support for the team during this period of transition.
### Long-Term Strategy and Player Development
The experience gained by young players in UP Warriorz through exposure to international stars like Athapaththu and Kerr can be invaluable for their long-term development. The franchise can focus on nurturing talent, providing opportunities for growth, and building a strong foundation for the future of women’s cricket in India. This strategic approach can pay dividends in terms of creating a sustainable pipeline of talent for the national team.
In summary, while the departure of Chamari Athapaththu poses a challenge for UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League 2025, it also opens up avenues for growth, resilience, and team building. By embracing the changes, focusing on player development, and engaging with fans, the franchise can navigate through this period with a positive outlook and emerge stronger as a cohesive unit. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting cricket action in the Women’s Premier League.
