In a statement released by Northern Districts, she said she was “super excited” at the opportunity. Athapaththu will join the Northern Brave camp in late December.

“Chamari’s all-round abilities will be a great addition to the Super Smash and is sure to excite the crowds with both bat and ball in hand. It will be great to have a player of her abilities on the park with us.”

A more than handy offspinner, Athapaththu also has 68 wickets in international cricket.

“There’s no doubt that her exciting skill set, and destructive x-factor will be a huge addition to our team but just as importantly, to the competition as a whole”

Ian Sandbrook, Northern Districts’ general manager of performance and talent

Easily the most popular Sri Lankan woman cricketer, Athapaththu has played in the Women’s CPL, for Guyana Amazon Warriors, as well as in the FairBreak Invitational T20 tournament and in the Women’s T20 Challenge At the WBBL, Thunder is her third team, after she turned out for Melbourne Renegades and Scorchers in previous seasons.

“We cannot wait to have a world-class player in Chamari join the Northern Brave for this season’s Super Smash competition,” Ian Sandbrook, general manager of performance and talent at Northern Districts, said. “There’s no doubt that her exciting skill set, and destructive x-factor will be a huge addition to our team but just as importantly, to the competition as a whole.

“We also know that Chamari will be a great role model and leader within our environment, and imparting these behaviours on our talented young squad is another important step in making the Northern Brave the best performance environment in the country.”

Northern Brave’s Super Smash campaign kicks off on December 22 as part of a double-header with the men’s Brave team, who will take on Central Districts’ Hinds (women) and Stags (men) at Seddon Park. Athapaththu is expected to be available for selection for the game against Wellington Blaze on January 2.