Athapaththu says investing and franchising opportunities will help Sri Lanka develop.

Athapaththu said, “It all depends on our performance.”.

Sponsors will come to help us if we perform well.

Occasionally, our games and tours are not televised, so we need more exposure and media support.”

As Sri Lanka’s only female franchise cricketer, Athapaththu has played 118 T20s and 95 one-day internationals.

Before joining The Hundred, she played in the English and Welsh Cricket Board’s Kia Super League and the Australian Women’s Big Bash League.

Although she topped the ICC batting rankings earlier this year, she was not selected in the draft for this winter’s WBBL.

Athapaththu said, “I learned a lot from franchise cricket.”.

Franchise cricket may seem like all about money, but it’s not. We can learn a lot from senior players, different players, and different cultures.

“We learn a lot about cricket, how to handle pressure, how to adapt to the game, and how to adapt to the conditions.

“I hope some other Sri Lankan players will also join franchise cricket in the next few years.”

Athapaththu added that Sri Lanka are planning a T10 franchise competition in December, which she believes will mark a turning point for women’s cricket in the country.

After leveling the series with England, Athapaththu was visibly emotional, and the series decider is scheduled for Wednesday in Derby.

While England possessed far greater depth, despite resting Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophia Dunkley, Athapaththu said Sri Lanka relished the challenge of playing one of the best teams in the world.

She added, “I like the pressure and it’s a great opportunity for us as a team.”

If we play with the top teams, we can learn a lot from them.”