UP Warriorz (UPW) franchise in the Women;s Premier League (WPL) has announced the departure of head coach Jon Lewis, concluding a three-year association since the league’s inception. Lewis, who took the helm in 2023, guided the team through its inaugural seasons, with the franchise expressing gratitude for his contributions.
“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,” the UP Warriorz conveyed through their social media channels on Friday, acknowledging Lewis’s dedication and leadership.
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. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/qZpJDyj9Ut
— UP Warriorz (@UPWarriorz) June 27, 2025
A mixed tenure under Jon Lewis for UP Warriorz
Under Lewis’s guidance, the UP Warriorz experienced a fluctuating journey in the highly competitive WPL. In the league’s inaugural 2023 season, Lewis successfully steered the team to the playoffs, a significant achievement for a new franchise. Their campaign, however, ended with a defeat at the hands of eventual champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), highlighting the challenge of the knockout stages.
The 2024 season saw a slight dip in performance, with the UP Warriorz finishing fourth in the points table, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot. This indicated a growing intensity in the league and the need for consistent top-tier performances. The most recent WPL 2025 campaign proved to be particularly challenging for the Warriorz. With regular captain Alyssa Healy sidelined due to a knee injury, India’s off-spin bowling all-rounder Deepti Sharma stepped up to lead the side. Despite Sharma’s leadership, the team struggled to find rhythm and finished at the bottom of the points table, marking a disappointing end to Lewis’s tenure.
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Overall, Lewis’s coaching record with the Warriorz stands at nine wins from 25 matches. Despite the varying fortunes, the team did etch its name in the WPL record books under his leadership, achieving the highest total in the league’s history—a formidable 225 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) earlier this year.
Lewis’s coaching journey
Lewis represented England in one Test, 13 One-Day Internationals and two T20 Internationals during his playing career. His coaching journey extends beyond the WPL, with significant roles in international women’s cricket.
Prior to joining UP Warriorz, Lewis held the position of head coach for the England women’s team. His tenure there, however, concluded after a challenging period that included a dismal 16-0 defeat in the Women’s Ashes in Australia. This setback was compounded by the team’s group-stage exit from the Women’s T20 World Cup just before his resignation last October.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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