Australian superstar Meg Lanning, one of the most iconic batters in women’s cricket, will play for UP Warriorz (UPW) in WPL 2026. She was bought for ₹1.90 crore in the mega auction after a fierce bidding battle with her former team, Delhi Capitals. Delhi Capitals had released Lanning ahead of the auction, surprising fans worldwide. But UP Warriorz moved quickly, fighting hard in the marquee set bidding and securing one of the biggest names in women’s cricket.
This marks the first time Lanning will play for a new franchise after leading DC for three straight years.
WPL 2026 Team and Auction Price
- WPL 2026 Team: UP Warriorz
- WPL 2026 Price: ₹1.90 crore
- Base Price: ₹1 crore
UPW aims to strengthen their top order and bring strong leadership into the camp, with Lanning emerging as a potential captain for the season.
WPL Auction Price History (2023–2026)
| Year | Team | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Delhi Capitals | ₹1.10 crore |
| 2024 | Delhi Capitals | Retained |
| 2025 | Delhi Capitals | Retained |
| 2026 | UP Warriorz | ₹1.90 crore |
Meg Lanning WPL Stats and Records (2023–2025)
Meg Lanning has been one of the most consistent run-scorers since WPL began. She is currently the second-highest run-getter in WPL history, only behind Ellyse Perry.
Overall WPL Batting Stats
| Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 25 | 1 | 952 | 92 | 39.67 | 128.50 | 9 | 112 | 18 |
Overall WPL Bowling Stats
| Mat | Inns | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Avg | Econ | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 2 | 4 | 28 | 1 | 28.00 | 7.00 | 1/18 |
Season-Wise WPL Performance
WPL 2023 (Delhi Capitals)
- 345 runs
- 3 fifties
- Orange Cap winner
- Led DC to the final
WPL 2024 (Delhi Capitals)
- 331 runs
- 3 fifties
- Key role in DC’s runner-up finish
WPL 2025 (Delhi Capitals)
- 276 runs
- 3 fifties
- Best: 92 vs Gujarat Giants
She remains the only player to score 900+ runs across the first three WPL seasons.
Major WPL Records & Achievements
- Most runs in a WPL season: 345 (2023)
- 9 fifties: Most in WPL history
- Two finals as captain (2023, 2024)
- Impact opener: Boosts team win rate significantly
- DC’s inaugural season Orange Cap winner
Lanning’s consistency, calmness under pressure, and sharp match awareness make her one of the league’s strongest T20 specialists.
Lanning became one of the marquee signings of the WPL 2026 auction. UP Warriorz will use her experience to anchor the batting lineup, strengthen leadership, and possibly hand her captaincy responsibilities.
Just before the auction, she smashed 90 in the WBBL*, proving she is still in top form despite retiring from international cricket in 2023. Her book Left Turn and continued work in mental health awareness have also inspired fans worldwide.
With Meg Lanning now joining UP Warriorz for WPL 2026, the franchise has secured one of the finest batters in women’s cricket. Her price of ₹1.90 crore, combined with her outstanding WPL stats and records, highlights the impact she continues to bring to T20 leagues around the world.
