Historic Milestone! Team India Women Shortlisted for Laureus World Team of the Year 2026
Patiala, 04 March (Sports Desk)
The Indian women’s cricket team has been shortlisted for the prestigious Laureus World Team of the Year 2026 award, marking a historic first for any women’s cricket side.
This nomination celebrates their breakthrough achievement in lifting their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title in 2025 on home soil. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led team staged a remarkable turnaround during the tournament. After suffering three consecutive group-stage defeats against South Africa, Australia, and England—which left them on the verge of elimination—they bounced back spectacularly.
In the semi-final, India pulled off the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history, scoring 339 to defeat defending champions Australia in a thrilling encounter. They then sealed the title with a commanding victory over South Africa in the final.
The Laureus World Sports Awards, established in 2000 and now in their 26th year, honor outstanding sporting excellence across various categories. The Team of the Year award specifically recognizes a team that delivered a season of exceptional, history-making performance on the global stage.
India’s nomination places them alongside an elite group of 2026 contenders, including:
- The England women’s football team, who became just the second side ever to defend the UEFA Women’s European Championship title.
- Paris Saint-Germain, who claimed their first UEFA Champions League trophy as part of a six-trophy haul in 2025.
- The European Ryder Cup Team, which secured a record-extending 16th title.
- The McLaren F1 team, who clinched their 10th Constructors’ Championship with races to spare.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder, who equaled the Chicago Bulls’ 1996-97 regular-season wins record en route to their first NBA championship.
watch….Samson’s Storm: India Storm into Semis with Historic Chase!
This marks the third instance of Indian cricket featuring at the Laureus Awards. Previously, Sachin Tendulkar earned the Sporting Moment Award in 2020 for his victory lap following India’s 2011 ODI World Cup win, while Rishabh Pant was nominated for Comeback of the Year in 2025. Other Indian nominees include wrestler Vinesh Phogat (Comeback of the Year, 2019) and javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra (Breakthrough of the Year for his Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold).
Winners of the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards will be chosen via secret ballot by the 69-member Laureus World Sports Academy and announced during a gala ceremony in Madrid on April 20, 2026.
