On International Day of the Girl, Smriti Mandhana was announced as UNICEF India’s new Celebrity Advocate—her first major role outside the field.
The 27‑year‑old, who took over the captaincy after Harmanpreet Kaur, already holds the record for being the first woman to amass 1,000 ODI runs in a single calendar year, cemented by five centuries and an Arjuna Award.
UNICEF India’s Cynthia McCaffrey said the partnership would amplify girls’ rights, while Mandhana stressed that hard work and opportunity turn dreams into reality.
With India set to host the 2026 Asian Games and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Mandhana’s dual role as a global icon and advocate could galvanise a new generation of female cricketers.
The next test? Mandhana will lead her team into the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup qualifiers while pushing for more girls to step onto pitches across the country.