UP Warriorz Announce Meg Lanning as Captain for WPL 2026

UP Warriorz announced on Sunday that Australian cricket legend Meg Lanning has been appointed as the captain of the franchise for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season.

After not being retained by Delhi Capitals, Lanning was acquired by the UP Warriorz for Rs 1.9 crore during the 2026 WPL Auction. Known for her impressive record, the former Australian player has led her previous team, the Capitals, to three consecutive WPL finals and has seven World Cup titles under her belt.

Last season, Deepti Sharma took on the role of captain for the Warriorz after Australian skipper Alyssa Healy had to withdraw from WPL 2025 due to a lingering injury. Deepti was re-signed by the Warriorz using the Right to Match option for Rs. 3.2 crore at the auction.

Throughout her WPL career, Lanning has scored 952 runs across 27 matches with an average of 39.67 and a strike rate of 127.10.

In a tweet from the UP Warriorz, they celebrated Lanning’s leadership, referring to her as “The Blueprint of Success” and “The Icon of Leadership.”

Lanning expressed her excitement about her new role, stating, “It is a real honour to be named captain of the UP Warriorz. As the WPL enters its fourth season, it’s been incredible to see how the league has evolved, including the quality of cricket and the emerging talent. We have 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 to give ourselves every opportunity to lift the trophy.”

UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar praised Lanning’s leadership qualities, saying, “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.”

The announcement was published on January 4, 2026.