Former Australia captain Meg Lanning turns down Victoria deal, to freelance across T20 franchise circuit

Published - 26 May 2026, 11:01 IST | Updated - 26 May 2026, 11:09 IST

Former Australia captain Meg Lanning has turned towards becoming a freelance cricketer in the women’s game after deciding against signing a new contract with Victoria ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season.

Following her retirement from international cricket in late 2023, Lanning remained contracted to Victoria, up until now. With no more deals tying her down to one side, the right-handed batter will turn into a freelance cricketer and compete in various franchise and T20 competitions around the world. She did play four times for Victoria towards the end of 2025, but none after representing the Melbourne Stars in the Women’s Big Bash League.

Kirby Short, Head of Female Cricket at Cricket Victoria, took a positive spin on her star batter opting against staying with the domestic side for the foreseeable future. She stated how the women’s game has evolved, giving players like Lanning opportunities to play all around the globe.

"We support Meg's decision. The women's game is growing, and players are now presented with opportunities across the world, which is ultimately a positive reflection of the evolution of our game,” Cricket Victoria Head of Female Cricket Kirby Short said, via ESPNcricinfo.

As things stand, Lanning has commenced her summer-long affiliation with the city of Manchester by signing for Lancashire for the Vitality Blast, before she represents the Manchester Super Giants in a new-look Hundred competition, having been signed for in the auction for GBP 95,000.

The 34-year-old has so far played two matches for the Red Rose County, scoring 121 runs. This included an unbeaten 81 against The Blaze at Old Trafford in a losing cause.

Before coming to the shores of England to play T20 cricket, Lanning formed part of the UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India, where she scored 248 from eight innings at an average of 31.

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The 2026-27 Victoria squad includes other current Australia international stars, including Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth and Georgia Wareham.