Lanning shoots from Stars in WBBL shock

Australia captain Meg Lanning won’t be returning to the Melbourne Stars, with the club announcing the injured batter had elected not to renew her contract ahead of WBBL|03.

Lanning, the leading run-scorer in both WBBL seasons to date, is already set to be sidelined for the entirety of the upcoming Rebel Women’s Big Bash League season after undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this month.

Quick Single: Lanning ruled out of the Ashes

She's expected to be out for action for up to eight months.

In a statement released on Monday, the Stars said Lanning – who captained the club during the first two WBBL seasons – had informed the club she would be pursuing opportunities elsewhere.

Under the newly signed Moratorium of Understanding, players can sign multi-year WBBL contracts so although Lanning will not appear in WBBL|03, a club would be looking to the long-term future by signing the world’s No.1 batter.

"Whilst Meg’s decision to the leave the club is very disappointing, we remain absolutely confident that the team we’ve formed is united and committed to the club’s long term future success," Stars chief executive Clint Cooper said.

"We thank Meg for her contribution to the club over the past two seasons and wish her and her family well for the future."

The Melbourne Stars have yet to confirm any signings for WBBL|03.