UP Warriorz strengthen squad with key signings at WPL Auction

The UP Warriorz have reinforced their lineup for the third season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) with the acquisitions of Australian all-rounder Alana King, and uncapped Indian players Arushi Goel and Kranti Goud at the WPL Auction in Bengaluru on Sunday. The franchise, based in Lucknow, is led by Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy and coached by England’s Jon Lewis.

Entering the auction with three slots to fill, the Warriorz secured King for INR 30 lakh, while Goel and Goud were signed for INR 10 lakh each, completing their 18-member squad. The team focused on maintaining a balance of experience and youthful energy to complement their strong core of retained players.

Alana King, a 29-year-old leg-break bowler and lower-order batter, is a seasoned international player with an impressive resume. She has represented Australia in major tournaments, including winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal and the ODI World Cup in 2022, as well as the T20 World Cup in 2023. King has taken 21 wickets in 22 T20Is, with best figures of 4/8. Familiar with Indian conditions, she was part of the Supernovas squad that clinched the Women’s T20 Challenge in 2022.

The Warriorz also added promising Indian players to their roster. Arushi Goel, 27, is a right-handed medium pacer and batter, while 21-year-old Kranti Goud, who has impressed in domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh, strengthens the team’s pace attack.

Head Coach Jon Lewis expressed satisfaction with the team’s picks. “We are very happy with our selections at the auction. The UP Warriorz have retained a strong core, and the new additions bring a blend of youthful energy and valuable experience. Now, the focus is on coming together and executing our roles effectively,” he said.

Kshemal Waingankar, COO of the UP Warriorz, echoed this optimism, saying, “We entered the auction with a clear plan and are delighted with the results. The new players bring dynamism, enthusiasm, and a fighting spirit that align perfectly with our ethos. With Jon’s leadership, we are excited for the upcoming WPL season.”

While the dates and venue for the third WPL season are yet to be announced, the Warriorz are gearing up for a competitive campaign. With a strong mix of international stars and emerging talent, the team aims to build on their past performances and challenge for the title in the upcoming season. Fans can look forward to an action-packed journey with the UP Warriorz as they prepare to take on the league’s best.

Also See: WPL Schedule | WPL Auction / Final Players List

Alyssa Healy (c), Anjali Sarvani, Deepti Sharma, Grace Harris, Kiran Navgire, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Shweta Sehrawat, Sophie Ecclestone, Tahlia McGrath, Vrinda Dinesh, Saima Thakor, Poonam Khemnar, Gouher Sultana, Chamari Athapaththu, Uma Chetry, Arushi Goel, Alana King, Kranti Goud.