Smriti Mandhana
She was also part of the team that won India’s first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines In the same year, Mandhana became the first woman to score more than 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year, setting a record with five centuries. In 2026, she emerged as the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket and women’s T20 internationals. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
Every child and young person deserves the chance to dream big and reach their full potential,” Mandhana said. We look forward to partnering with Smriti to help ensure every girl has the opportunity to learn, play, lead, and fulfill her potential,” said UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey. Through this role, she will promote equal opportunities for girls and support efforts to improve their health, well-being, education and leadership. “I am deeply honoured to join UNICEF India as a Celebrity Advocate. Growing up playing cricket taught me that every dream begins with an opportunity. With hard work, determination, and encouragement, that opportunity can turn into something extraordinary. As a Celebrity Advocate, she will continue working to ensure girls have the freedom and support to learn, play and achieve their ambitions. “Smriti’s journey from an aspiring young athlete to a global cricket icon demonstrates to girls what is possible when talent meets opportunity. At a time when India is home to the world’s largest generation of children and young people, investing in girls’ rights, leadership, and wellbeing is a nation’s smartest investment. She is also the world’s top-ranked women’s ODI batter and a two-time ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Mandhana has previously supported UNICEF-ICC campaigns promoting gender equality and life skills, along with UNICEF’s Promise to Children campaign. Mandhana, an Arjuna Award recipient, was appointed captain of the Indian women’s cricket team earlier this week after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down. UNICEF India on Sunday named Indian women’s cricket captain Smriti Mandhana as its Celebrity Advocate on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl.