The Hurricanes have secured one of the world's most destructive batters for WBBL|12, with Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu joining the club as an overseas replacement player.
Athapaththu, currently ranked sixth in the ICC Women's T20I batting rankings, joins the Hurricanes as an overseas replacement for England international Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who has unfortunately been ruled out of the tournament through injury.
Emerging wicketkeeper-batter Kate Pelle has also been rewarded for her impressive Spring Challenge campaign with a contract for the upcoming season.
The dual signings provide the reigning champions with a timely boost ahead of their season opener against the Melbourne Stars on Thursday.
One of the most influential figures in Sri Lankan cricket history, Athapaththu brings a wealth of international experience and an imposing WBBL record to Hobart, having featured in the past seven editions of the competition across 69 matches with the Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder.
The 36-year-old enjoyed a remarkable campaign with the Thunder in WBBL|09, amassing 552 runs at an average of 42.46, including five half-centuries, to claim Player of the Tournament honours.
She also collected nine wickets during that campaign, underlining her ability to influence matches with both bat and ball.
Hurricanes Head of High Performance Salliann Beams said while the club was disappointed to lose Wyatt-Hodge, securing a player of Athapaththu's calibre was an outstanding outcome.
"We're obviously incredibly disappointed for Danni, who has been such an important part of our group and was influential in our maiden championship last year,” Beams said.
“We wish her all the very best with her recovery. To be able to bring in someone of Chamari's quality and experience is a fantastic result for the Hurricanes.
“She's one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket, she's a proven performer in the WBBL and she brings enormous leadership experience as captain of Sri Lanka.
“We saw just how influential she can be during her Player of the Tournament campaign with the Thunder, and we're really excited about what she can bring to our group.
“Chamari plays an aggressive, fearless brand of cricket that fits perfectly with the way we want to play, and we're looking forward to welcoming her to Hobart.”
While Athapaththu arrives with an established international reputation, Pelle's signing is recognition of her performances during the recent Spring Challenge in NSW
With star opener Lizelle Lee unavailable, Pelle was handed the responsibility of opening the batting and responded with several eye-catching performances.
She top-scored with 61 from 55 deliveries in the side's opening victory over the ACT Meteors, before producing another impressive knock of 43 from 32 balls against the Perth Scorchers.
Pelle finished the four-match tournament with 136 runs, demonstrating her ability to take on opposition attacks and provide valuable flexibility with the bat.
Having joined Tasmania's domestic program after previously representing NSW, her signing also provides the Hurricanes with another wicketkeeping option alongside Lee.
Beams said Pelle had thoroughly deserved her opportunity.
“Kate was given an opportunity during the Spring Challenge and she certainly made the most of it,” Beams said.
“Opening the batting comes with plenty of responsibility, particularly in T20 cricket, and we were really pleased with the way she approached that challenge.
“She played with confidence, showed her ability to score runs against quality opposition and really put her hand up for a place in our WBBL squad.
“Having someone who can provide flexibility with the bat and also offer another quality option behind the stumps is really important across a competition like the WBBL.
“Kate has worked hard for this opportunity and we're delighted to reward her performances with a Hurricanes contract.
“She's another exciting young player in our program and we're looking forward to seeing what she can bring to the group this summer.”
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
Hobart Hurricanes Memberships and tickets are available now.