In a notable shift ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, UP Warriorz have announced that Jon Lewis has stepped down from his role as head coach. The franchise confirmed the departure on June 27, 2025, marking the end of a three-year association that dates back to the league’s inception in 2023.
A rocky final season
After a triumphant start—guiding the new franchise into the playoffs in the inaugural 2023 season—UP Warriorz’s fortunes waned. The team finished fourth in 2024, missing out on the knockout stage . The 2025 season saw the team struggle further, ending at the bottom of the standings. The absence of regular captain Alyssa Healy due to injury forced Deepti Sharma into captaincy, but leadership issues compounded the team’s woes.
A respectful farewell
UP Warriorz expressed their gratitude on social media:
“From day one, you believed in us. Through the highs, the learnings, and everything in between — Thank You, Coach Jon Lewis, for leading with heart, calm, and belief. You’ll always be a part of the Warriorz Family.”
This warm send-off suggests that Lewis’s exit is amicable and part of a wider strategy the franchise is deploying for a fresh start.
Lewis’s tenure: highs and lows
A former England men’s team pacer and a seasoned coach, Lewis had remarkable credentials. He coached England Women from November 2022 until March 2025, a post from which he also stepped down following a disappointing run that included a 16–0 Ashes defeat.
His record with UP Warriorz includes:
- Playoffs in 2023
- A fourth-place finish in 2024
- Bottom finish in 2025
- Nine wins from 25 matches overall
- Under his reign, UP Warriorz also set the WPL record for highest total: 225/5 against RCB in March 2025.
While the results were mixed, Lewis’s leadership has been credited with instilling a stable environment during turbulent periods.
Road ahead: rebuilding for 2026
With the WPL 2026 season on the horizon, UP Warriorz are set to undergo significant restructuring—not just in coaching but possibly across their support staff. Mentor Lisa Sthalekar’s future and the status of assistant coach Anju Jain remain undecided.
The franchise appears determined to regain momentum by investing in an overhaul of both tactical and leadership aspects.
Summary:
- Jon Lewis, the UP Warriorz head coach since 2023, exited on June 27, 2025.
- His tenure began strongly but declined over time, with success in 2023 followed by poor showings in 2024 and 2025.
- The departure is amicable, part of a broader team restructuring ahead of WPL 2026.
- UP Warriorz now face the task of appointing fresh leadership to restart their competitive journey.
