Meg Lanning turns freelancer, opts out of Victoria state contract

Meg Lanning has opted out of her state contract with Victoria for the 2026-27 season. This effectively means the decorated former Australian captain will now only feature in franchise cricket.

Since stepping away from the international stage in late 2023, Lanning has featured in the Women’s Premier League in India and England’s The Hundred alongside the Women’s Big Bash League at home. She also signed with Lancashire for the T20 Blast this year.

This decision puts her WBBL participation in doubt too, as she stands without a contract. Since started out with Melbourne Stars and spent a few seasons with the Perth Scorchers before making her way back to the Stars.

“We support Meg’s decision,” Kirby Short, Cricket Victoria’s head of female cricket, said. “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.”

Lanning has also ventured into coaching, joining the Australia U19 setup as a development coach during their tri-series against England and Sri Lanka in April.

Published on May 26, 2026