Meg Lanning Takes the Helm as Captain of UP Warriorz for WPL 2024

Australian cricket icon Meg Lanning has been appointed as the captain of UP Warriorz for the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) season. With a rich history of success and experience, Lanning aims to lead the team to its first WPL title. Having previously captained Delhi Capitals to three finals, she brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the role. The UP Warriorz, who struggled last season, are looking to turn their fortunes around starting January 10 against Gujarat Giants. Read on to learn more about Lanning's impressive career and the team's ambitions for the season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 5, 2026, 02:04 IST

Meg Lanning Appointed Captain of UP Warriorz

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 4: Australian cricket star Meg Lanning has been named the captain of UP Warriorz ahead of the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) season, which kicks off on January 9. Lanning expressed her enthusiasm for the challenge and emphasized the team's commitment to striving for their inaugural WPL title.

As a three-time finalist with Delhi Capitals (DC) and a prominent figure in international cricket, Lanning was acquired by UP Warriorz for Rs 1.90 crores during last year's WPL auction.

In a statement released by the franchise, Lanning remarked, “It’s a tremendous honor to lead the UP Warriorz. As we approach the fourth season of the WPL, it’s been remarkable to witness the league's growth, the rising quality of cricket, and the emergence of new talents that elevate the competition each year. This squad boasts a strong blend of international experience and Indian talent, and I eagerly anticipate the challenges ahead. We will put in the effort to ensure we have every chance to claim the trophy.”

Under Lanning's leadership, Delhi Capitals reached the finals in all three seasons, yet they fell short of victory each time, losing to MI by seven wickets, RCB by eight wickets, and narrowly to MI by eight runs last season while chasing 150 runs.

With 952 runs in 27 WPL matches, Lanning ranks as the third-highest run-scorer in the league's history, averaging 39.66 with a strike rate exceeding 127, including nine fifties and a top score of 92. She is celebrated as one of the greatest batters, holding a record of 17 international centuries and over 8,300 runs.

The Australian legend, who has secured five ICC Women’s T20 World Cup titles and two ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophies—six of which were won as captain—unexpectedly retired from international cricket last year at the age of 31.

UP Warriorz, who finished last in the previous season with only three wins out of eight matches, will commence their campaign against Gujarat Giants on January 10.