Former Australia women’s captain Meg Lanning opens up about struggles with weight loss and insomnia leading to retirement

Former Australia women’s cricket captain Meg Lanning has opened up about the struggles she faced with weight loss and insomnia before her surprising retirement from international cricket last year. Lanning, a five-time T20 World Cup winner and two-time 50-overs World Cup champion, made the decision to step away from the game for medical reasons, citing an identity crisis and unbalanced diet and training regime.

In a candid interview on the Howie Games podcast, the 32-year-old revealed that she had lost a significant amount of weight, dropping from 64kg to 57kg, due to excessive running and restricted eating habits. Lanning admitted that her physical and mental health had deteriorated to the point where she was unable to commit to the demands of international cricket, leading to her withdrawal from the Women’s Ashes series.

Struggling with insomnia, Lanning described how she would dread nighttime due to her inability to sleep, which only added to her frustration and anger. Despite her challenges, Lanning made a successful comeback in 2023, leading Australia to victory in the T20 World Cup in South Africa after taking a break in 2022.

While Lanning continues to play domestic T20 cricket and participate in the Women’s Premier League in India, she has made it clear that she will not be returning to the national team. Alyssa Healy has since taken over as Australia’s captain following Lanning’s retirement.

Lanning’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental and physical well-being in the high-pressure world of professional sports. Her honesty and resilience in overcoming these challenges are a testament to her strength and determination both on and off the field.