Lanning opts out of Victoria state contract amid franchise focus

Meg Lanning has decided not to take a state contract with Victoria for the 2026-27 season, effectively moving into a full-time freelance role in franchise cricket.

The 34-year-old former Australia captain had already stepped back from the state setup last season, featuring only briefly before shifting focus to overseas leagues. Since retiring from international cricket in 2023, she has built a schedule around franchise stints, including the WPL and The Hundred, along with a county T20 deal in England.

Her decision also means she currently has no state deal and is without a WBBL contract, even after finishing among the top run-scorers last season.

"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 recently also began exploring coaching, working with Australia's Under-19 side as a development coach during their tri-series against England and Sri Lanka in April.