More than a jersey: How this women's cricket team is spotlighting Banarasi heritage through modern-day cricket

The Women’s Premier League 2026 has already begun, where the UP Warriorz recently unveiled their new jersey. But this is not just a piece of garment but a symbol of expression, pride, and heritage. The jersey has been specially designed by Ekaya Banaras, which is India’s first luxury handloom brand and is known for its Banarasi craftsmanship.These sporting kits are not just the team’s belief, but they're the epitome of Shakti, heritage, and belief in how women can shape and rule the communities around them. The collaboration was unveiled on Instagram, where the brand introduced the new jerseys online and called the moment a ‘blooming rebellion’. This is not just a moment in cricket, but it's how the merge of fashion, craft, and sports has come together. The design reinterprets cultural motifs through a modern and performance-driven lens, where the floral charm of the Banarasi culture marks the strength of feminine continuity.Telling the story in the language of luxurious silk, the bold, future-facing aesthetic honours the identity of the state and how modern-day women are representing it. The jersey here stands as a visual expression of how women are breaking barriers and creating traditions of their own. The UP Warriors continue to embody the pride of the region, and they’re ready to push the boundaries and simply create history. This collaboration brings together the journeys of Ekaya, who represent the old-Banarasi legacy, and a state where these crafts bloomed. It is now being represented by modern-day Indian women who understand the importance of its origin, its journey, and its future. According to a report in News18, the founder and CEO of Ekaya, Banaras Palak Shah, said, “At Ekaya, we’ve always believed in women shaping narratives. In a craft ecosystem traditionally owned, woven, and traded by men, we chose to build a house that is represented, led, and worn by women. Cricket, too, has long been seen as a gentleman’s sport.” She further continued, “So when the opportunity came to create a women’s cricket team, carving their own place within it, the decision felt instinctive. I think this collaboration comes from a shared belief in changing perspectives, uplifting women, and reimagining what legacy craft can stand for today." Let’s see how the jersey is cheered and applauded, as we’re sure that the women carrying them will surely not let us down.