WPL Season 3: The UP Warriorz have made a major announcement ahead of Season 3 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), appointing India’s ace all-rounder Deepti Sharma as their captain. The announcement was made live on broadcast during the Amul Cricket Live show just before India’s ODI against England. Deepti, born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, becomes the first player from the state to captain the team, and she will lead them at their home ground – the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
First Home Ground Advantage for UP Warriorz
Season 3 of the WPL is particularly special for the UP Warriorz as it marks the first time the tournament will be played in Lucknow. Deepti’s appointment as captain adds a local flair to the team, which will play its home matches at the Ekana Cricket Stadium against Gujarat Giants (March 3), Mumbai Indians (March 6), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (March 8).
Deepti Sharma’s Stellar WPL Journey
Deepti has been a pivotal figure in the UP Warriorz since the inaugural season of WPL. Known for her left-handed batting and off-break bowling, Deepti’s contributions to the team have been invaluable. In WPL Season 2, she etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in the tournament, an achievement that added to her remarkable performance, earning her the MVP award.
Over the course of 17 games in WPL, Deepti has amassed 385 runs, including three half-centuries, and a high score of 88 not out. With the ball, she has taken 19 wickets, proving her worth as a top all-rounder.
A Global Cricketing Force
Deepti’s talent isn’t confined to WPL alone. She played a crucial role in London Spirit’s victory in The Hundred in 2024 and has represented Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League. Deepti has also been a mainstay in India’s national team, playing in 124 T20Is, with 138 wickets to her name—making her the highest wicket-taker in T20Is for India. In 2023, she became the first Indian cricketer, across both men’s and women’s teams, to take 100 T20I wickets.
Deepti Sharma Reflects on the Honour of Leading UP Warriorz
Upon receiving the captaincy, Deepti expressed her excitement and pride at leading a team from her home state. She said:
“I am delighted and honoured to be named captain of the UP Warriorz, which is a team from my home state. The UP Warriorz has a fantastic squad, and we are confident that we will entertain our fans with the Warriorz brand of cricket, at the WPL this season as well. We can’t wait to play in Lucknow in front of our home fans, and hope to inspire the next generation of women athletes.”
Capri Sports CEO Jinisha Sharma’s Statement
Jinisha Sharma, Director of Capri Sports and owner of the UP Warriorz, praised Deepti’s leadership qualities:
“Deepti is one of the most versatile and impactful players in Indian cricket, and we are thrilled to have her lead UP Warriorz this season. Her sharp cricketing mind, all-round abilities, and calm leadership under pressure make her the ideal captain to guide this team. As a world-class match-winner and a fierce competitor, Deepti has time and again proven her ability to turn the game around. With her at the helm, we are confident that UP Warriorz will play fearless, dynamic cricket and make our fans proud.”
Season 3 Kicks Off for UP Warriorz
The UP Warriorz will begin their Season 3 campaign against Gujarat Giants on February 16 in Vadodara, looking to make their mark with Deepti Sharma leading them from the front.
