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

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Indian sport has reached another landmark as the India women's national cricket team earned a nomination for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards.

The recognition comes after India's historic triumph at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, where they clinched their maiden title on home soil in Mumbai - a victory that transformed women's cricket in the country.

The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at Cibeles Palace, Madrid, on April 20.

A Breakthrough Year for Indian Women's Cricket

In 2025, the Indian women's team delivered one of the most dramatic World Cup campaigns in history. After suffering three consecutive group-stage defeats to South Africa, Australia and England, they rallied spectacularly to reach the final for the third time.

The turning point came in a sensational semifinal against Australia, where India recorded the highest successful run chase in women's ODI history. They then defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final, sparking nationwide celebrations and sealing their first-ever World Cup crown.

This nomination marks the first time a women's cricket team has been shortlisted for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award - a groundbreaking achievement not only for India but for the global women's game.

India's Growing Laureus Footprint

This is the third time Indian cricket has featured prominently at the Laureus Awards.

• Sachin Tendulkar received the Laureus Sporting Moment Award in 2020 for his iconic 2011 World Cup victory lap.
• Rishabh Pant was nominated for Comeback of the Year.
• Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra was shortlisted for Breakthrough of the Year in 2022.

The 2026 nomination further cements India's growing presence on the global sporting stage.

Elite Global Company

The India Women's Cricket Team shares the shortlist with some of the world's biggest sporting names and teams.

Among the Team of the Year nominees are:

1. England Women's Football Team
2. European Ryder Cup Team
3. McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
5. Paris Saint-Germain

The awards also feature global superstars such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Aitana Bonmatí among the nominees in individual categories.

More Than a Nomination

Beyond trophies and statistics, the nomination symbolises the rapid evolution of women's cricket in India. From battling elimination in the group stage to lifting the trophy, the team's resilience and belief captivated millions and inspired a new generation of young cricketers.

Their inclusion in the Laureus shortlist is not just recognition of a title-winning campaign - it is a celebration of a defining moment in Indian sporting history.