Meg Lanning Named UP Warriorz Captain for WPL 2026 Season

Australian cricket icon Meg Lanning has been appointed captain of the UP Warriorz for the upcoming Women's Premier League season. Lanning, a multi-time World Cup-winning captain, was purchased by UPW for Rs 1.90 crores in last year's auction. She brings a formidable record as the third-highest run-getter in WPL history and led Delhi Capitals to three consecutive finals. UP Warriorz, who finished last in the previous season, will begin their campaign on January 10 against Gujarat Giants.

Key Points: Meg Lanning Appointed UP Warriorz Captain for WPL 2026

  • Legendary Australian skipper joins UP Warriorz
  • Three-time WPL finalist with Delhi Capitals
  • Third-highest run-scorer in WPL history
  • UP Warriorz finished bottom last season
  • Season begins January 9, 2026
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Aussie icon Meg Lanning announced as UP Warriorz captain ahead of WPL 2026

Australian legend Meg Lanning announced as new captain of UP Warriorz ahead of WPL 2026 season. Details on her record and team's campaign.

Aussie icon Meg Lanning announced as UP Warriorz captain ahead of WPL 2026
"The Blueprint of Success. The Icon of Leadership. Captain MEG - UP Warriorz"

New Delhi, January 4

Australian multi-time World Cup-winning skipper Meg Lanning has been announced as the new captain of the Women's Premier League franchise UP Warriorz ahead of the latest season starting from January 9 onwards.

Lanning, a three-time WPL finalist with Delhi Capitals (DC) and a legendary figure in international cricket both as a batter and leader, was brought by UPW for Rs 1.90 crores in the WPL auction last year.

In a post on X, UP Warriorz said, "The Blueprint of Success. The Icon of Leadership. Captain MEG #UPWarriorz #UttarDega #TATAWPL #MegLanning."

Delhi Capitals have reached the final in all three seasons under the captaincy of Lanning, a multi-time World Cup-winning captain for Australia, but surprisingly did not win in any season, losing to MI by seven wickets and RCB by eight wickets in one-sided matches and then to MI by eight runs last season in a closely contested match, failing to chase down 150 runs.

Lanning is the third-highest run-getter in WPL history, with 952 runs in 27 matches and innings at an average of 39.66, a strike rate of over 127 and nine fifties and a best score of 92. With a record 17 international centuries and over 8,300 runs, she is considered one of the finest batters of all time.

The Australian great, who won a whopping five ICC Women's T20 World Cup titles and two ICC Women's Cricket World Cup trophies, six of those as captain, announced sudden retirement from international cricket last year at the age of 31 in 2023.

UP Warriorz, which finished at the bottom of the points table last season with just three wins in eight matches, will start their campaign against Gujarat Giants from January 10 onwards.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great player, no doubt. But I have a question - with so much young Indian talent, could an Indian captain have been a better choice to build the team's core identity? Lanning is a legend, but will she understand the local dynamics as well?
A
Aman W
Her stats are unbelievable! 952 runs already in WPL. UPW needed a solid anchor at the top. Excited to see her bat in the blue and orange. Hope she can finally get that WPL trophy she missed with DC. Best of luck, Captain! 🏏
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I love this. The WPL is becoming a truly global league. Bringing in icons like Lanning raises the standard for everyone. The young Indian players in UPW will learn so much from her. Great for women's cricket!
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Karthik V
Interesting to see if she can turn around the fortunes of UPW. DC reached finals but couldn't win. Maybe a new team environment is what she needs. The pressure will be on, but if anyone can handle it, it's Meg. UP fans, get ready!
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Nisha Z
Wow, Rs 1.90 crores well spent! She retired from internationals so young, but her focus will be fully on WPL now. Hope she mentors players like Kiran Navgire and Deepti Sharma well. The team needs a strong leader on the field. Jai UP! 🙏

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