Key Highlights
- Historic First: India is the first-ever women’s cricket team to be shortlisted for a Laureus Award.
- World Cup Glory: The nomination follows India’s maiden ODI World Cup title, won on home soil in November 2025.
- Record-Breaking Run: The team achieved the highest-ever successful run chase in Women’s ODI history during the tournament.
- Global Competition: India is nominated alongside heavyweights like Paris Saint-Germain, McLaren F1, and the England Women’s football team.
- Ceremony Date: Winners will be announced at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on April 20, 2026.
On March 3, 2026, Laureus Sport officially confirmed that the Harmanpreet Kaur, led Indian women’s cricket team has been shortlisted for the 2026 Team of the Year category. This announcement marks a watershed moment for the sport, as no women’s cricket team had previously reached the final shortlist for these “Sporting Oscars.”
The nomination recognizes a transformative 2025 season where the “Women in Blue” shattered long-standing glass ceilings. By winning their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, the team transitioned from contenders to world champions, sparking a nationwide revolution in how women’s sports are perceived in India.
The Road to Glory: That Record-Breaking Chase
The defining moment of India’s campaign occurred during a high-stakes semi-final against reigning champions Australia. Facing a daunting target of 339, a figure many considered unreachable in the women’s game, India pulled off the highest successful run chase in WODI history.
The chase was anchored by a spectacular unbeaten 127 from Jemimah Rodrigues and a resilient 89 from Captain Harmanpreet Kaur. This victory not only knocked out the seven-time champions but also signaled a shift in the global hierarchy of cricket. In the subsequent final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to lift the trophy, fueled by Shafali Verma’s 87 and an all-round masterclass from Deepti Sharma, who took five wickets.
Standing Among Legends
India’s inclusion in the Team of the Year category places them in elite company. The 2026 nominees include:
- England Women’s National Football Team: For their successful UEFA European Championship defense.
- Paris Saint-Germain: Following their maiden UEFA Champions League title and a six-trophy haul.
- McLaren Formula One Team: For clinching their 10th Constructors’ Championship.
- European Ryder Cup Team: After their record-extending victory in golf.
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Following a historic NBA season.
India now follows in the footsteps of legendary Indian athletes previously recognized by Laureus, such as Sachin Tendulkar (2020), Vinesh Phogat (2019), Neeraj Chopra (2022), and Rishabh Pant (2025).
Reactions from the BCCI
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia lauded the nomination as a victory for the entire Indian sporting ecosystem. “The 2025 World Cup triumph was a watershed moment,” Saikia stated. “This Laureus nomination reflects the global impact of their achievement and will inspire millions of young girls.”
BCCI President Mithun Manhas echoed these sentiments, noting that the recognition is a testament to the players’ relentless hard work. He emphasized that being acknowledged on such a grand international stage proves the growing influence of Indian women’s cricket worldwide.
The final winners will be decided by the 69 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy and announced during a gala ceremony at the Cibeles Palace in Madrid.
