UP Warriorz have been forced into a late squad change in the Women’s Premier League 2026 after Phoebe Litchfield was ruled out due to injury. The franchise has moved quickly to bring in an experienced international name as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.
UP Warriorz Replace Phoebe Litchfield With Amy Jones for WPL 2026
UP Warriorz have signed England wicketkeeper batter Amy Jones as a replacement for Phoebe Litchfield, who has returned home after sustaining a quad injury. The change will apply for the remainder of the WPL 2026 season.
Litchfield was one of UP Warriorz’s standout performers this year, scoring 243 runs in six innings. She finishes the league stage as the team’s highest run scorer and the third-highest run-getter overall in the tournament before her early exit.
A Cricket Australia spokesperson confirmed that Litchfield has travelled back to Australia to begin rehabilitation ahead of the upcoming Australia vs India series, scheduled to start on February 15.
Amy Jones Brings Experience as UPW Face Must-Win Matches
Amy Jones joins the UP Warriorz squad at her auction base price of INR 50 lakh after going unsold earlier. The England international brings vast experience, having played over 120 T20 internationals along with extensive exposure in major franchise leagues.
Jones last featured in competitive cricket during the 2025–26 Women’s Big Bash League, where she represented Melbourne Stars. She ended the season as the team’s second-highest run scorer with 234 runs in 11 matches, striking at over 125. Her most recent appearance came in the Knockout match in early December.
UP Warriorz currently sit at the bottom of the points table with the weakest net run rate among the five teams. Following their 45-run loss to Gujarat Giants on January 22, their qualification path has become challenging.
To stay in contention for the playoffs, UP Warriorz must win both of their remaining league fixtures and significantly improve their net run rate. They next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru, followed by a crucial clash against Delhi Capitals on February 1.
Amy Jones is expected to be available immediately as UP Warriorz look for a late turnaround in the tournament.
