Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 4: India’s women’s cricket team has scripted another historic achievement, earning a nomination for the 2026 Laureus World Team of the Year Award following their maiden World Cup triumph.

The nomination, confirmed by Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, makes them the first women’s cricket team to receive this prestigious recognition.

The team’s road to glory featured a record-breaking performance in the semi-final against Australia, where they completed the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history — 339 runs — before going on to defeat South Africa in the final to clinch their first-ever World Cup title.

In a press release, Laureus Sport said: “In their Cricket World Cup semi-final 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.”

Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian side now finds itself in elite global company.

They have been nominated alongside powerhouse teams such as the England women's national football team, the European Ryder Cup team, Paris Saint-Germain and the McLaren Formula 1 outfit.

The World Cup victory triggered nationwide celebrations, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcing a cash reward of Rs 51 crore for the squad.

The team also joins a select list of Indian sportspersons previously nominated in major Laureus categories, including Vinesh Phogat, Neeraj Chopra and Rishabh Pant.

The winners will be chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy jury and announced at a grand ceremony at the Cibeles Palace in Madrid on April 20, marking the third consecutive year the Spanish capital will host the event.