Legendary Australian cricketer Meg Lanning will captain UP Warriorz in the 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League, which is set to be played from January 9 to February 5 across two venues – Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. The development was confirmed by the Uttar Pradesh-based franchise via a social media post on Sunday evening.
Lanning, who played for Delhi Capitals in the first three editions of WPL and led them to three back-to-back finals, was preferred over Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma for the top job.
The Blueprint of Success. The Icon of Leadership. Captain ???????????? 👑💛#UPWarriorz #UttarDega #TATAWPL #MegLanning pic.twitter.com/hJho7auTc4
— UP Warriorz (@UPWarriorz) January 4, 2026
33-year-old Lanning was released by Delhi Capitals
ahead of WPL 2026 mega auction, and UP Warriorz managed to secure her services in the mega auction held in Delhi on November 27, 2025, for Rs 1.90 crore.
“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, 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,” Lanning said in a release shared by the franchise.
In WPL 2026, former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar will be UPW’s head coach and he also reacted to Lanning’s appointment as captain by 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.”
Lanning’s record in WPL
Meg Lanning, who led Australia to multiple ICC titles during her playing days, has scored 952 runs in 27 WPL matches played so far. She is third in the list of batters with the most runs in the women’s premier T20 league of India.
Only Nat Sciver-Brunt of England, who represents Mumbai Indians, and Ellyse Perry of Australia, who played the first three seasons for RCB but will miss this year’s edition, are ahead of Lanning in the list of batters with the most runs in the WPL.
Overall in T20s, Lanning has 8460 runs to her credit in 286 matches for six teams – Australia, Delhi Capitals, Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, London Spirits and Oval Invincibles (MI London from 2026).
UP Warriorz squad for WPL 2026
- Batters (4): Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Kiran Navgire, Simran Shaikh
- Bowlers (3): Sophie Ecclestone, Kranti Gaud, Asha Sobhana
- Allrounders (10): Shweta Sehrawat, Deepti Sharma, Harleen Deol, Deandra Dottin, Shikha Pandey, Chloe Tryon, Suman Meena, G Trisha, Pratika Rawal, Charli Knott
- Wicketkeepers (1): Shipra Giri
UPW’s schedule in WPL 2026
In WPL 2026, UP Warriorz will open their campaign on Saturday, January 10, in Navi Mumbai against Gujarat Giants at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and then take on 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Navi Mumbai on January 12.
UP’s next five league matches are scheduled against Delhi Capitals (January 14), Mumbai Indians (January 15 and January 17), Gujarat Giants (January 22) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (January 29).
UP Warriorz’s WPL 2026 schedule
| DATE | DAY | AGAINST | VENUE |
| January 10 | Saturday | Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| January 12 | Monday | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Navi Mumbai |
| January 14 | Wednesday | Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai |
| January 15 | Thursday | Mumbai Indians | Navi Mumbai |
| January 17 | Saturday | Mumbai Indians | Navi Mumbai |
| January 22 | Thursday | Gujarat Giants | Vadodara |
| January 29 | Thursday | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Vadodara |
| February 1 | Sunday | Delhi Capitals | Vadodara |
UP’s eighth and final league match will be played on February 1, 2026, against Delhi Capitals at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.
