UP Warriorz have made a major leadership call ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League, appointing Australian great Meg Lanning as captain of the franchise. The decision signals a clear intent from the Lucknow-based side to reset and push for a title challenge in the league’s fourth season.
Lanning was secured by the Warriorz for ₹1.9 crore at the 2026 WPL auction after she was not retained by Delhi Capitals. One of the most accomplished leaders in women’s cricket, the former Australia captain brings an extraordinary resume, having won seven World Cup titles during her international career. She also captained Delhi Capitals to three consecutive WPL finals, establishing herself as one of the most influential figures in the tournament’s short history.
Last season, UP Warriorz were led by Deepti Sharma after regular captain Alyssa Healy was ruled out of WPL 2025 due to a lingering injury. Deepti’s leadership stint earned the franchise’s trust, and she was re-signed at the auction for ₹3.2 crore using the Right to Match option, ensuring continuity within the squad even as Lanning takes over the captaincy.
On the field, Lanning’s numbers in the WPL underline her value. She has scored 952 runs in 27 matches at an average of 39.67 and a strike rate of 127.10, combining consistency with the ability to control high-pressure situations at the top of the order.
“It is a real honour to be named captain of the UP Warriorz,” Lanning said. “As the WPL enters its fourth season, it’s been incredible to see how the league has evolved, the quality of cricket, the competitiveness, and the emergence of exciting new talent continue to raise the standard each year. This is a talented group with a strong mix of international experience and Indian players, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead. We’ll work hard together and give ourselves every opportunity to lift the trophy.”
UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar highlighted leadership as the key reason behind the appointment. “Meg brings a rare combination of experience, clarity, and calmness that sets her apart as a leader. Her understanding of the game, ability to manage high-pressure moments, and connect with players makes her the ideal captain for this group. We’re confident she will play a key role in shaping the team’s approach this season,” he said.
With a proven leader at the helm and a balanced squad in place, UP Warriorz will hope Lanning’s arrival marks the start of a new chapter as they aim to turn promise into silverware in WPL 2026.
