UP Warriorz on Tuesday revealed their new playing jersey for the upcoming Women’s Premier League 2026, unveiling a design that blends performance sport with deep-rooted cultural storytelling. Created in collaboration with Ekaya Banaras, the team’s official design partner, the new kit draws inspiration from the rich textile heritage of Banaras, translating traditional artistry into a contemporary cricketing identity.
Titled “A Blooming Rebellion”, the jersey reflects the Warriorz’ core values of courage, individuality and fearless expression qualities that have come to define both the franchise and the evolving narrative of women’s cricket in India. The design represents more than a visual refresh; it is an attempt to embed regional culture into the modern sporting ecosystem, celebrating the idea of women carrying tradition forward on their own terms.
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At the heart of the UP Warriorz x Ekaya collaboration lies a thoughtful reinterpretation of Banarasi textile language. Known globally for its intricate silk weaving and floral motifs, Banaras has long symbolised continuity, resilience and craftsmanship passed down through generations. The new jersey draws from this heritage, particularly the symbolism of flowers in Banarasi culture, which represent strength, renewal and quiet rebellion through beauty.
Rather than directly replicating traditional patterns, the design reimagines these motifs through a modern, high-performance lens. Floral elements are subtly embedded into the fabric, creating a textured visual identity that resonates with tradition while remaining suited to the fast-paced demands of T20 cricket. The result is a jersey that speaks in layers cultural at its core, contemporary in its execution.
While the inspiration is cultural, the execution is uncompromisingly athletic. The jersey has been crafted to meet the physical demands of elite cricket, with emphasis on comfort, mobility and breathability. The sleek silhouette and lightweight construction ensure that performance remains paramount, allowing players to move freely while maintaining a strong on-field presence. For the UP Warriorz, the kit is intended to be more than just match-day apparel. It is designed to instil a sense of belonging and purpose every time a player steps onto the field. By wearing a jersey rooted in Banarasi identity, the team symbolically carries the heritage of Uttar Pradesh onto a national stage, reinforcing the connection between region, representation and pride.
A Statement on Modern Femininity
The “A Blooming Rebellion” concept also reflects a broader cultural shift within women’s sport. The jersey celebrates modern femininity—one that embraces strength without abandoning tradition, and ambition without apology. In weaving together craft and sport, the design acknowledges the growing confidence of women athletes who are redefining what representation looks like in Indian cricket. This approach aligns closely with the ethos of the Women’s Premier League itself. Since its inception, the WPL has served as a platform not only for high-quality cricket but also for storytelling, identity-building and visibility. The UP Warriorz jersey adds to that narrative by asserting that performance and cultural expression can coexist seamlessly.
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The new jersey will be worn by the UP Warriorz throughout the WPL 2026 season and will also be made available to fans via official merchandise channels. For supporters, the kit offers an opportunity to connect with the team beyond results, allowing them to wear a symbol that reflects both sporting passion and cultural pride. As franchises increasingly look to deepen fan engagement, designs rooted in regional identity provide a powerful bridge between teams and their communities. For UP Warriorz, the Banarasi-inspired jersey becomes a visual reminder of where the team comes from and what it represents.
Eyes on the Season Opener
With the jersey unveiled, attention now turns to the field. UP Warriorz will open their WPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Giants on January 10 at the DY Patil Stadium, a fixture that will offer the first glimpse of the new kit in competitive action. As the countdown to the season begins, the unveiling of “A Blooming Rebellion” sets the tone for what the Warriorz aim to embody in 2026: fearless cricket, rooted identity and a confidence that reflects the growing stature of women’s cricket in India.
