Navi Mumbai, Jan 5 (NationPress) The UP Warriorz made a memorable announcement of Meg Lanning as the franchise's captain during a delightful event in Navi Mumbai on Monday. Groups of young fans and cricketers, all under the age of 12, gathered to offer a warm surprise to their newly-appointed leader.

The celebration featured young girls welcoming Lanning with an engaging performance, blending popular Hollywood tracks with cultural melodies dedicated to the Australian cricket icon.

In a lively interaction, Lanning answered questions from the young fans, sharing that dosa is one of her favorite dishes from India and that cricket legends Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting inspired her during her formative years.

The children also presented Lanning with heartfelt messages on a board, wishing her and the team good fortune as they prepare for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) season.

Lanning engaged warmly with the young fans, signing autographs, taking group photos, and dedicating time to connect with the children, ensuring the event was memorable for all attendees. This occasion reaffirmed UP Warriorz’s dedication to nurturing young talent both on and off the cricket field.

The celebration highlighted the expanding popularity of women’s cricket and underscored how UP Warriorz is inspiring girls as they embark on an exciting new chapter under Lanning's leadership in the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League.

Earlier in the day, UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar expressed optimism about the team’s potential impact in the 2026 WPL, noting that if the squad can harmonize quickly, they can perform as a unified force.

At last year’s mega auction, UPW assembled a mix of seasoned and young players, aiming to secure their first title under Lanning’s guidance. “My message is straightforward. This sport focuses on the players, not the coach. Play the type of cricket you are accustomed to,” Nayar stated.

“Team spirit is crucial. If we can collaborate effectively, success will follow. Our vision is clear: we aim to play exceptional cricket. Every tournament we enter, our mindset is always set on winning. We will monitor each player’s performance closely and strive for excellence,” Nayar shared with IANS during the pre-season press conference on Monday.

The WPL has proven successful in discovering emerging talents who have subsequently joined the Indian team, and Nayar assured that this trend will persist in the upcoming season, scheduled from January 9 to February 5.

“The unique nature of this tournament continuously produces talented players for India. This time, we aspire to uncover a new star from this season,” he added.