The Lucknow-based franchise of the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL), owned by Capri Global Holdings Private Limited, will be known as UP Warriorz. One of the five teams involved in the much-awaited 2023 WPL, the franchise was bought for Rs 757 crore at an auction hosted by the BCCI. 

The Warriorz also announced their think tank, with former England cricketer Jon Lewis appointed as the head coach of the team, while Arjuna Awardee (2005) Anju Jain will be the assistant coach. Former Australian cricketer Ashley Noffke is the bowling coach. Meanwhile, playing the mentor’s role for the UP Warriorz will be the four-time World Champion with Australia Lisa Sthalekar.   

Lewis, the current Head Coach of the England Women’s Cricket Team, was also the bowling coach for the England Men’s Team in 2021. “I am delighted to be part of the Capri Global Holdings Private Limited family with the UP Warriorz and expect this to be a fascinating insight into the depth of cricket in India and a high-octane ride for the next couple of months,” said Lewis. 

“The WPL is a huge step forward for women’s cricket globally and I am excited to be an integral part of this journey. Having Anju Jain, Ashley Noffke and Lisa Sthalekar who bring in a diverse set of experiences to the dugout can only make the task a whole lot easier.”

The WPL will take place between March 4 and 26 at two venues in Mumbai: the Brabourne Stadium and the DY Patil Stadium. 1525 players had registered for the auction and a total of 409 cricketers - 246 Indians and 163 overseas - are set to go under the hammer on Monday (February 13).