Meg Lanning

Meg Lanning, affectionately known as 'The Megastar' is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains and batters in the history of women’s cricket. Born on March 25, 1992, in Singapore and raised in Australia, she retired from international cricket in November 2023 with a legendary resume that includes seven World Cup titles (five as captain). Her 2025 season proved that her appetite for runs remains undiminished; she led the Delhi Capitals to their third consecutive WPL final and, along the way, overtook Ellyse Perry to become the all-time leading run-scorer in the league's history. Throughout 2025, she continued to be a prolific force in global domestic leagues, representing Victoria in Australia and the Oval Invincibles in The Hundred, while also serving as a respected commentator and mentor during India's historic 2025 ODI World Cup triumph.

The late 2025 WPL mega auction signaled a massive shift in her franchise career as she moved away from the Delhi Capitals for the first time. In one of the most talked-about transfers of the event, the UP Warriorz secured Lanning for ₹1.9 crore, entrusting her to lead a revamped squad that features several of her former Delhi teammates like Shikha Pandey. This high-profile signing is a clear statement of intent from the Lucknow-based franchise, which looks to Lanning’s tactical genius and 'ice-cool' temperament to secure their maiden title. As she prepares for the 2026 season starting in January, Lanning will anchor a powerful top order alongside Phoebe Litchfield, continuing her legacy as the ultimate 'gold standard' for leadership and batting excellence in the professional game.