Former Australian Captain Meg Lanning has been appointed as the new skipper of UP Warriorz ahead of the fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), set to begin on January 9, 2026. The Capri Sports-owned franchise made the announcement on Sunday, marking a major leadership change for the team. Lanning, who previously captained Delhi Capitals for the first three seasons, led them to the final each time but finished as runners-up. She was acquired by UP Warriorz for ₹1.9 crore during the recent auction. Her arrival is seen as a strategic move to bring stability and proven leadership to the squad.
Lanning brings an exceptional record to the role, having captained Australia to seven World Cup titles, including two ODI World Cups and five T20 World Cups. The legendary batter expressed her excitement about the new challenge, noting how the WPL has evolved with rising quality, competitiveness, and emerging talent. She praised the UP Warriorz squad for its strong mix of international experience and promising Indian players. Lanning said she is “really looking forward to the challenge ahead” as the team enters a fresh phase. Her calm and composed approach is expected to inspire the players.
UP Warriorz have undergone a significant overhaul after inconsistent results in previous editions—finishing third in 2023, fourth in 2024, and fifth in 2025. The franchise hopes Lanning’s leadership will help turn around their fortunes and push for the title. Head coach Abhishek Nayar, a former India player, welcomed the appointment, describing Meg as someone who brings “a rare combination of experience, clarity, and calmness” that sets her apart. The decision reflects the team’s focus on experience and composure at the leadership level. The move is aimed at creating a competitive and balanced unit.
The fourth edition of the WPL will be played across two legs this year. The first phase will take place in Navi Mumbai from January 9 to 17, followed by the second leg in Vadodara from January 19 to February 5. With Lanning at the helm, UP Warriorz will be eager to make a strong impression and challenge the dominance of previous champions. Her appointment has generated excitement among fans and experts alike. The WPL continues to grow in stature, and Lanning’s leadership is expected to add significant value to the competition.