India Women’s Cricket Team Nominated for 2026 Laureus World Team of the Year

In a historic first, the Indian women’s cricket team has been nominated for the prestigious 2026 Laureus World Team of the Year Award, following their maiden Cricket World Cup triumph. The nomination, confirmed by Laureus Sport on Tuesday, marks the first time a women’s cricket team has been considered for this accolade, highlighting their exceptional performance on the global stage.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad earned widespread recognition for their record-breaking semi-final against Australia, where they successfully chased 339 runs—the highest in women’s One Day International (ODI) history—to secure a place in the final. They went on to defeat South Africa to claim their first World Cup title, an achievement celebrated across India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash reward of ₹51 crore for the victorious team in recognition of their historic feat.

The Indian team will face stiff competition for the award from high-profile squads, including the England women’s football team, the European Ryder Cup golf team, French football club Paris Saint-Germain, and McLaren Formula 1. Laureus Sport emphasized the significance of India’s nomination in a press release, stating: “In their Cricket World Cup semi-final against Australia, the India Women’s Cricket Team pulled off the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history before winning their first title and are the first women’s cricket team to be nominated for this Award.”

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This nomination places the team among a select group of Indian athletes who have been recognized in main Laureus categories, joining the ranks of Vinesh Phogat (2019), Neeraj Chopra (2022), and Rishabh Pant (2025). It reflects India’s growing presence in global sports and the rising recognition of women athletes on the world stage.

The winners of the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards will be decided by the Laureus World Sports Academy, an international jury of sports legends. The awards ceremony will be held at Madrid’s iconic Cibeles Palace on April 20, marking the third consecutive year the Spanish capital has hosted the prestigious event.

For the Indian women’s cricket team, this nomination is more than an honor; it is a testament to their resilience, skill, and record-breaking journey that has inspired millions across the country and beyond.

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