Tradition Meets The Crease: UP Warriorz's New Jersey Showsoff Banarasi Heritage

As the Women’s Premier League 2026 has begun, the UP Warriorz unveiled its new playing jersey. It is an expression of identity, ambition and pride in their culture.

The jersey has been designed by Ekaya Banaras, one of India’s first luxury handloom brands that specialises in Banarasi craftsmanship. More than a sporting kit, the jersey reflects the franchise’s belief that when women take centre stage, they shape the culture and communities around them.

The UP Warriorz x Ekaya collaboration, with Ekaya as the official design partner, introduces the “A Blooming Rebellion” jersey, a fusion of contemporary sport and timeless craft. Drawing from Banaras’ floral heritage and Ekaya’s weaving tradition, the design reinterprets cultural motifs through a modern,

performance-driven lens. Inspired by the symbolism of flowers in Banarasi culture, the markers of strength and continuity, the jersey translates the language of silk and storytelling into a bold, future-facing sporting aesthetic. Designed to honour culture, identity and modern femininity, the kit stands as a visual expression of women carrying tradition forward on their own terms.

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Representing Uttar Pradesh, a state rich in heritage, craft and history, UP Warriorz continues to embody the pride of the region while pushing the boundaries of what the future of women’s sport can look like.

The collaboration brings together two journeys shaped by shared values. Ekaya, with its 120-year-old Banarasi legacy, represents the contemporary Indian woman, one who understands her origins and moves confidently toward the future.

Palak Shah, founder and CEO of Ekaya Banaras, said, “At Ekaya, we’ve always believed in women shaping narratives. In a craft ecosystem traditionally owned, woven, and traded by men, we chose to build a house that is represented, led, and worn by women. Cricket, too, has long been seen as a gentleman’s sport. So when the opportunity came to create for a women’s cricket team, carving their own place within it, the decision felt instinctive. I think this collaboration comes from a shared belief in changing perspectives, uplifting women, and reimagining what legacy craft can stand for today.”