India’s World Cup-winning women’s cricket team has earned a historic nomination for the 2026 Laureus World Team of the Year Award, becoming the first women’s cricket side to be recognised in the prestigious global honours.
The nomination was confirmed by Laureus Sport on Tuesday, placing the Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad alongside some of the biggest names in international sport.
The Indian team shares the shortlist with the England women’s football team, Europe’s Ryder Cup team, French football champions Paris Saint-Germain and McLaren’s Formula 1 team.
The recognition follows India’s maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph, capped by a record-breaking semi-final performance against Australia where they completed the highest successful run chase in women’s One-Day International history — 339 runs.
The team went on to defeat South Africa in the final to secure their first world title.
In a statement, Laureus Sport highlighted the significance of the achievement, noting that India’s dramatic semi-final victory and subsequent championship win marked a milestone moment for women’s cricket globally.
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The triumph triggered celebrations across the country, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India announcing a cash reward of Rs 51 crore for the squad in recognition of their achievement.
With this nomination, the team joins an elite list of Indian sportspersons previously recognised in major Laureus categories, including Vinesh Phogat, Neeraj Chopra and Rishabh Pant.
The winners will be chosen by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, with the awards ceremony scheduled to take place at the Cibeles Palace in Madrid on April 20. The Spanish capital will host the event for the third consecutive year.
