WPL 2026: UP Warriorz replace Tara Norris with Australian rookie

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UP Warriorz have reshaped their plans for WPL 2026, confirming that Tara Norris will miss the season while also announcing Charli Knott as a new overseas signing, as the Capri Sports-owned side prepares to open its campaign on 10 January against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Norris becomes unavailable after selection for the USA national team, which will compete in the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal, scheduled from 18 January to 3 February 2026, meaning the left-arm medium pacer cannot join UP Warriorz for the upcoming WPL edition.

WPL 2026: UP Warriorz replace Tara Norris

To cover that vacancy, UP Warriorz have brought in Australian all-rounder Charli Knott, who has not yet played international cricket, signing Knott at her base fee of INR 10 lakh and handing the 21-year-old a first appearance in the Women's Premier League, where Knott is expected to offer options with both bat and ball.

Who is Charli Knott?

Knott already has strong domestic exposure, having played six Women's Big Bash League seasons and two seasons of The Hundred, and is recognised for steady top-order batting, controlled off-spin bowling and composed fielding contributions, attributes that are expected to give UP Warriorz more flexibility in the middle order and bowling combinations during WPL 2026.

Kshemal Waingankar, COO, UP Warriorz, added: "We wish Tara the very best for her international assignment. We are excited to welcome Charli Knott to UP Warriorz. She is a promising all-rounder with the skill set and temperament to contribute across departments, and make an impact."

With Norris on USA duty and Knott coming in, UP Warriorz maintain their effort to shape a balanced line-up for the TATA WPL 2026 season, blending younger options and experienced names while targeting stability across departments as the team heads into its opening match against Gujarat Giants in Navi Mumbai on 10 January.