Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu has been appointed to the Player Advisory Board of the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA), marking a significant development for both global cricket governance and Asian representation at the highest level of the game.
The move places one of women’s cricket’s most influential figures at the centre of key discussions shaping the sport’s future — from player welfare to the structure of the global calendar.
A strategic appointment at a pivotal time for cricket
The WCA’s Player Advisory Board comprises active international cricketers tasked with representing the collective voice of players worldwide. Athapaththu joins a high-profile group that includes Pat Cummins, Heather Knight, Aiden Markram, Jason Holder, Scott Edwards and Laura Wolvaardt.
She is also part of a refreshed intake featuring Rashid Khan, Daryl Mitchell, Maddy Green and Wayne Madsen, replacing outgoing members such as Tim Southee and Sophie Devine.
Athapaththu: “a proud moment” for Sri Lanka and Asia
Athapaththu framed the appointment as a moment of personal pride with wider implications for her region.
“I am truly honored and delighted to be appointed to the Player Advisory Board of the World Cricketers’ Association. This is a proud moment not only for me personally, but also for Sri Lanka and the wider Asian cricketing community,” Athapaththu said.
Her inclusion is widely seen as a step toward more balanced global representation, particularly for players from Asia, who have historically had limited influence in international governance structures.
Strengthening the global player voice
Athapaththu made it clear that her focus will be on amplifying player perspectives across all regions, especially as the sport continues to evolve rapidly.
“I look forward to contributing my experience as an international cricketer to help strengthen the voice of players across the world. It is important that players from all regions, especially from Asia, are heard and represented in key decisions that shape the future of the game,” Athapaththu added.
The WCA advisory board plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between players and governing bodies, contributing to discussions on scheduling, contracts, workload management, and mental health — all areas that have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years.
A shift in cricket’s power dynamics?
The WCA’s refreshed advisory board reflects a deliberate shift toward greater inclusivity and active player involvement in shaping cricket’s future.
With Athapaththu now part of that ecosystem, the balance of influence continues to evolve — not just geographically, but also across formats, genders, and levels of the game.
For the global cricket industry, it’s another signal that player voices are becoming increasingly central to decision-making at the highest level.
