New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) Meg Lanning, the former captain of Australia, has been officially named the new captain of UP Warriorz (UPW) for the forthcoming season of the Women's Premier League (WPL), as announced by the franchise through their social media channels on Sunday.

Transitioning to UPW, Meg will assume captaincy from India's all-rounder and off-spin bowler Deepti Sharma, who took charge of the team during the 2025 season in the absence of the regular captain and Meg's erstwhile teammate from Australia, wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy.

“Being appointed as captain of the UP Warriorz is a significant honor. As the WPL progresses into its fourth season, witnessing the league's growth, elevated cricket standards, competitiveness, and the rise of thrilling new talents has been remarkable,” expressed Meg in a statement from the franchise on Sunday.

“I’m eager to take on this challenge with a talented squad that boasts a strong blend of international and Indian players. Together, we will strive hard to seize every opportunity to lift the trophy,” she added.

At 33 years old, Meg is celebrated as one of the most triumphant captains in women's cricket history, having led Australia to five World Cup victories across both formats and a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games during her captaincy. She joined UPW for a sum of Rs 1.9 crore during last year's mega auction in New Delhi after she was not retained by DC.

“Meg possesses a rare mix of experience, clarity, and composure that distinguishes her as a leader. Her game understanding, capability to manage high-stress situations, and rapport with players make her the perfect fit for this team. We are confident she will significantly influence our strategy this season,” remarked Abhishek Nayar, head coach of UPW.

In the WPL, Meg guided her prior team, Delhi Capitals (DC), to the finals in each of the three seasons but ended as the runner-up in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Notably, she secured the Orange Cap in the 2023 WPL while forming a formidable partnership with Indian opener Shafali Verma.

“The appointment of Meg Lanning as captain marks a pivotal moment for the UP Warriorz as we continue to strengthen our competitive edge. Her leadership and consistency at the highest levels align seamlessly with our team's vision. We believe her involvement will greatly enhance our value both on and off the field as we prepare for WPL 2026,” stated Kshemal Waingankar, COO of UP Warriorz.

Throughout her WPL career, she has participated in 27 matches, amassing 952 runs at a strike rate of 127.10, which includes nine half-centuries. UPW, still in pursuit of their first WPL title, will kick off their 2026 campaign against Gujarat Giants (GG) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 10.