The UP Warriorz have made a decisive leadership call ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, appointing Australian great Meg Lanning as captain of the franchise.
Owned by Capri Sports, the Warriorz confirmed the move on Saturday, entrusting one of the most decorated leaders in women’s cricket with guiding the team through the upcoming season. Lanning, who was signed by the Warriorz for INR 1.9 crore at the WPL 2026 auction, arrives with an unmatched leadership résumé. A central figure in Australia’s golden era, she has been part of seven World Cup-winning campaigns, lifting two ICC Women’s Cricket World Cups and five ICC Women’s T20 World Cup titles. Few players in the history of the women’s game combine elite performance with sustained leadership success quite like Lanning.
For the UP Warriorz, the appointment signals a clear intent to lean on experience, composure, and clarity at the helm as the franchise looks to take the next step in a highly competitive league. Since the WPL’s inception, margins have been fine, and leadership under pressure has often made the difference. In Lanning, the Warriorz gain a captain who has repeatedly navigated high-stakes environments and delivered results at the very highest level.
Beyond her captaincy credentials, Lanning’s impact with the bat has been a defining feature of the WPL. One of the tournament’s most consistent performers, she has accumulated 952 runs in 27 matches, regularly providing stability and momentum at the top of the order. Her ability to set the tone during the powerplay, absorb pressure in tricky chases, and switch gears when required has made her a cornerstone player across seasons. For the Warriorz, that blend of leadership and reliability adds significant balance to the squad.
Speaking on her appointment, Meg Lanning expressed both pride and excitement at the opportunity to lead the franchise. “It is a real honour to be named captain of the UP Warriorz,” she said. “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.”
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Her words reflect not just ambition but a broader understanding of the league’s role in shaping women’s cricket in India. Under Lanning’s leadership, the Warriorz will hope to build a culture that empowers young Indian players while maximising the experience of international stars within the squad.
Abhishek Nayar, Head Coach of UP Warriorz, underlined the value Lanning brings beyond tactics and match-day decisions. “Meg brings a rare combination of experience, clarity, and calmness that sets her apart as a leader,” Nayar said. “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.”
From a management perspective, the appointment aligns closely with the franchise’s long-term vision. Kshemal Waingankar, COO of UP Warriorz, described Lanning’s elevation as a strategic step forward. “Meg Lanning’s appointment as captain is a significant step for the UP Warriorz as we continue to build a strong and competitive franchise,” he said. “Her leadership credentials and consistency at the highest level align perfectly with our vision for the team. We believe her presence will add tremendous value both on and off the field as we head into WPL 2026.”
The Warriorz, backed by Capri Sports, have steadily invested in building a competitive structure across seasons. Capri Sports, part of Capri Global Holding’s portfolio, also owns franchises across leagues such as the UAE ILT20 League and the Pro Kabaddi League, reflecting a growing footprint in Indian and international sport. With Lanning at the helm, the Warriorz now boast one of the most accomplished leaders in the global women’s game.
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As the WPL continues to grow in stature and depth, leadership choices will increasingly shape outcomes. In Meg Lanning, the UP Warriorz have placed their faith in a captain whose career has been defined by excellence, consistency, and winning under pressure qualities they will hope translate into a strong WPL 2026 campaign.
