Meg Lanning, one of the most decorated captains in women’s cricket history, remains a powerful figure even after her retirement from international cricket. In 2025, Lanning continues to make headlines — not as a national team captain, but as a mentor, domestic star, and influential voice in the women’s game. Her recent comments about the future of Australian cricket leadership and her ongoing role in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) highlight her continuing impact.
From Prodigy to Record-Breaking Captain
Early Life & Rise
Meghann Moira “Meg” Lanning was born on March 25, 1992, in Victoria, Australia. Wikipedia She showed early promise, eventually making her international debut for Australia in December 2010. Cricket Australia+1
By the age of 21, Lanning became captain of the national team, making her one of the youngest ever to lead Australia. Wisden Her leadership and batting talent soon reshaped the trajectory of Australian women’s cricket.
Career Highlights & Records
- Over her 13-year international career, she played 241 matches for Australia: 6 Tests, 103 ODIs, and 132 T20Is. Cricket Australia
- She amassed 8,352 international runs, including 17 centuries. Cricket Australia
- Under her captaincy, Australia won a jaw-dropping seven world titles — two 50-over World Cups and five T20 World Cups, which is a record. Wikipedia+1
- Lanning also led Australia to a Commonwealth Games gold medal. Wisden
- With the bat, she set records for most women’s ODI centuries, and her consistency made her one of the game’s greatest batters. Wisden
She was also awarded the Belinda Clark Medal multiple times — a testament to her status as one of Australia’s cricketing greats. Cricket Australia
The Decision to Retire: Why She Stepped Away
In November 2023, Meg Lanning announced her retirement from international cricket at just 31 years old. Cricket Australia+1 Her decision shocked many fans and media, but Lanning said it was “the right time” for her to move on. Cricket Australia
She reflected emotionally on her years with the Australian team, emphasizing that her motivation centered on team success. icc Cricket Australia’s CEO Nick Hockley praised her as “one of the best players in the world over a long period of time,” echoing the deep respect she earned. The Guardian
Struggles Behind the Success: Mental and Physical Challenges
While her career was glittering, Lanning did not shy away from admitting the personal challenges she faced.
Mental Health and Physical Strain
In a candid interview, she revealed that prior to her retirement, she struggled with insomnia, extreme weight loss, and a sense of being “out of control.” Sky Sports+1 She described an unhealthy training and dietary regime: running up to 90km per week while eating very little, something she now considers unsustainable. The Guardian+1
Lanning has said the mental toll was profound. On the Howie Games podcast, she opened up about an identity crisis: when she was not playing, she didn’t know who she was. The Guardian Her decision to walk away was deeply influenced by both physical exhaustion and a need to reclaim her personal wellbeing.
Exit on Her Own Terms
Despite her problems, Lanning insisted that she did not want to fade out — she wanted a clean and honest departure. “I couldn’t be half in or half out,” she said. The Guardian The public and cricketing establishment responded with respect, recognizing that she was stepping down not because she couldn’t perform, but because she needed a new chapter in her life.
Life After International Cricket: Staying in the Game
Retirement from the national team did not mean the end of Lanning’s cricketing journey.
Domestic Cricket & WPL
- She continues to play domestic cricket for Victoria in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL). Cricket Australia+1
- In the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), Lanning remains a prominent figure. Cricket Australia
- Perhaps most notably, she leads the Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India. Wikipedia
Her leadership and clarity of vision have been widely praised. Jemimah Rodrigues, a teammate at the Delhi Capitals, credited Lanning’s “winning mentality” and calm aggression for guiding the squad to their third consecutive final in 2025. Reuters
Global Influence & Commentary on the Game
Lanning has embraced a mentorship role for young talent. Recently, she publicly backed rising star Phoebe Litchfield to be the next Australian ODI captain. icc She spoke on an episode of The ICC Review, noting Litchfield’s “very level head … really good temperament.” icc
On her perspectives about current tournaments, she has stayed engaged — for example, offering semifinal predictions for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. icc Her analysis reflects her deep cricketing insight and continued relevance in the wider cricket ecosystem.
Evaluating Her Legacy: Impact on Women’s Cricket
A Transformational Captain
Under Lanning’s leadership, Australia dominated global women’s cricket. Her tactical acumen, consistency, and calm assurance on the field established a benchmark for future generations. She led Australia to five T20 World Cups, more than any other women’s captain. Wisden
Her record and influence also encouraged greater media attention, sponsorship, and professionalism in women’s cricket — contributing to the game’s rapid rise in popularity and respect.
Off the Field: Role Model and Advocate
Lanning’s openness about her mental health struggles has resonated widely. By speaking out, she has helped remove stigma and bring attention to player welfare in elite sport. Her decision to retire young, citing both performance and personal health, showed that even the greatest athletes are human.
Moreover, her mentorship of younger players like Litchfield shows her ongoing commitment to the game and her desire to leave a strong legacy.
Challenges & Debates: What Comes Next for Australian Women’s Cricket
A few key debates have followed Lanning’s exit:
- Leadership Succession
Who can fill her shoes? Litchfield is one candidate, but others like Tahlia McGrath and Ash Gardner are also in the mix. icc - Mental Health Support
Her departure reignited conversations about how cricket boards support player mental health — calls have grown for more holistic care and career planning for professional athletes. - Sustainable Career Paths
Lanning’s move hints at a future in commentary, coaching, or even administration. Her leadership experience and cricket intellect make her a likely figure in shaping the sport’s future.
Analysis: Why Her Retirement Was a Turning Point
- Performance vs. Well-Being: Lanning prioritized her long-term health over continuing at the top level — an example for athletes everywhere.
- Legacy First: With her record, she had very little left to prove; her focus shifted from personal milestones to contributing to the sport more broadly.
- Mentorship Role: Her views on future leadership signal that she wants to guide the next generation.
- Influence Beyond the Field: By staying active in domestic cricket and high-profile leagues, she remains a visible figure for fans and players.
Future Scenarios for Meg Lanning
Here are plausible paths Meg Lanning might take in coming years:
- Commentary & Media: Given her insights and high profile, she could become a prominent cricket pundit or analyst.
- Coaching / Mentorship: She might work with national academies or WPL teams to mentor young talent.
- Cricket Administration: Her leadership skills could transfer into board or governance roles.
- Advocacy & Mental Health Work: She could amplify her voice on athlete welfare, influencing cricket boards worldwide.
Conclusion
Meg Lanning’s cricket journey is a story of brilliance, leadership, vulnerability, and reinvention. At just 31, she walked away from international cricket on her own terms — leaving behind a monumental legacy. But her story didn’t end there. Through her continued presence in domestic cricket, her mentorship to younger players, and her thoughtful engagement with cricket’s future, Lanning remains a central figure in the sport.
As women’s cricket continues to evolve, her impact — both on and off the field — will be felt for decades. Whether as a voice of reason, a mentor, or a strategist, Meg Lanning’s next chapter promises to be as compelling as her playing days.
People Also Ask (20 FAQs)
- Why did Meg Lanning retire from international cricket?
She cited mental and physical challenges, including insomnia, weight loss, and a sense of no longer being “all in.” Sky Sports+1 - When did she announce her retirement?
November 2023, after 13 years representing Australia. Cricket Australia - How many World Cups did she win as captain?
She won five T20 World Cups and two 50-over World Cups. Wikipedia - What were her international runs tally?
She scored 8,352 runs across all formats. Cricket Australia - Which domestic teams does she still play for?
Victoria in Australia’s WNCL and the Delhi Capitals in the WPL. Wikipedia - What issues did she face before retirement?
She revealed struggles with insomnia, eating imbalance, over-exercising, and identity crisis. Sky Sports - Who does she think should succeed Liz Litchfield as captain?
Lanning endorsed Phoebe Litchfield due to her temperament and leadership potential. icc - Will she return to Australia’s national team?
She has ruled out a return to international cricket. Sky Sports - What is her legacy in women’s cricket?
She’s considered one of the game’s greatest leaders, reshaping Australia’s dominance and serving as a role model. - How many centuries did she score for Australia?
She scored 17 international centuries. Cricket Australia - What mental health message has she shared?
She’s emphasized that elite athletes also face mental health struggles and that stepping back can be a healthy choice. The Guardian - Did she ever take a break before retiring?
Yes — she took a six-month break in 2022 to focus on her mental and physical health. Cricket Australia - Has she won individual awards?
Yes — she won the Belinda Clark Medal multiple times. Cricket Australia - What are her thoughts on current Australian cricket?
She believes Australia has “incredible depth” and is optimistic about emerging leaders. icc - Does she plan to coach in future?
While not confirmed, her recent leadership comments suggest coaching or mentorship could be on her path. - What is her role in the WPL?
She leads the Delhi Capitals and serves as a senior batter and strategist. Wikipedia - How did teammates view her leadership?
Teammates, including Jemimah Rodrigues, praise her clarity of vision, calmness, and ability to unite the squad. Reuters - What was her batting style known for?
She was known for her technically sound, powerful, and consistent top-order batting. - What retirement reasons did Cricket Australia mention?
CA and Lanning mentioned a desire to “move on to something new” and focus on personal wellbeing. icc - How does she influence young cricketers now?
Through her public commentary, mentorship, and engagement with emerging players, she continues shaping the future.