Historic nod: India women’s team earns Laureus nomination after World Cup triumph
The Indian women’s cricket team has been nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Team of the Year Award in 2026 following its maiden World Cup title triumph.
The nomination, confirmed by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation on Tuesday, is a first for a women’s cricket team. It is a recognition for India’s performance in the mega event, the highlight reel being the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history in a semifinal win against Australia.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side is nominated alongside teams such as the England women’s national football team, the Ryder Cup-winning Europe team, Paris Saint-Germain, and the McLaren Formula 1 Team.
Laureus Sport said in a press release, “In its Cricket World Cup semifinal against Australia, the India Women’s Cricket Team pulled off the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history (339) before winning their first title against South Africa and are the first women’s cricket team to be nominated for this award.”
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The landmark triumph was celebrated nationwide, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India announcing a cash prize of Rs. 51 crore for the squad.
The team joins a select group of Indian athletes nominated for main Laureus categories, including Vinesh Phogat (2019), Neeraj Chopra (2022), and Rishabh Pant (2025).
The award winners will be decided by the sporting jury and the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy and announced at a gala event to be held at the Cibeles Palace in Madrid on April 20.
This is the third consecutive time Madrid will host the awards ceremony.
Published on Mar 03, 2026
