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India women’s cricket captain Smriti Mandhana has taken on a new responsibility off the field after being appointed as a UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate. The announcement was made on October 11, 2026, to mark the International Day of the Girl, highlighting the importance of girls’ rights, safety, leadership and equal opportunities.
Through this association, Mandhana will use her influence as one of India’s most recognised sporting personalities to promote children’s rights and encourage more opportunities for girls to learn, play and thrive. Her new role also builds on her previous involvement in campaigns supporting gender equality and the well-being of children and young people.
Why has UNICEF India appointed Smriti Mandhana as Celebrity Advocvate?
Mandhana’s appointment reflects the growing importance of using sport to promote social change. As a successful international cricketer and a role model for aspiring athletes, she can help bring attention to the challenges faced by girls, particularly those who lack access to education, sports facilities and opportunities to pursue their ambitions.
In her role as Celebrity Advocate, Mandhana will support UNICEF India’s efforts to empower adolescent girls, improve their health and well-being, and help them realise their potential.
Her association also aims to encourage an environment in which girls can participate in sports without facing unnecessary barriers and receive the support required to pursue their goals.
Mandhana expressed her happiness at joining UNICEF India and highlighted how her own journey in cricket shaped her understanding of opportunity and encouragement.
“I am deeply honoured to join UNICEF India as a Celebrity Advocate. Growing up playing cricket taught me that every dream begins with an opportunity. With hard work, determination, and encouragement, that opportunity can turn into something extraordinary. Every child and young person deserves the chance to dream big and reach their full potential,” Mandhana said.
Her message reflects the importance of providing children with the resources and encouragement needed to develop their abilities, whether in sports, education or other fields.
UNICEF India representative welcomes Mandhana onboard
UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey welcomed Mandhana’s appointment, emphasising the value of her journey from a young aspiring athlete to an internationally recognised cricket star.
“Smriti’s journey from an aspiring young athlete to a global cricket icon demonstrates to girls what is possible when talent meets opportunity. At a time when India is home to the world’s largest generation of children and young people, investing in girls’ rights, leadership, and wellbeing is a nation’s smartest investment. We look forward to partnering with Smriti to help ensure every girl has the opportunity to learn, play, lead, and fulfill her potential,” McCaffrey said.
The partnership aims to use Mandhana’s public profile to amplify messages about equal opportunities and the importance of supporting adolescent girls.
Mandhana’s previous association with UNICEF
The Indian batter is not new to UNICEF’s initiatives. She previously supported campaigns organised by UNICEF and the International Cricket Council that focused on gender equality, life skills and equal opportunities for children.
In September 2025, Mandhana participated in the ICC-UNICEF Promise to Children digital campaign during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. The initiative encouraged cricket fans to support children’s rights, including access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, safe water and protection from violence.
Her latest appointment expands this association, placing greater emphasis on girls’ empowerment and their right to participate in sports and leadership opportunities.
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Mandhana’s cricket journey inspires young girls
Mandhana’s achievements on the cricket field give additional significance to her advocacy role. Known for her elegant batting and consistency at the top of the order, she has become one of the leading figures in Indian women’s cricket.
She has also enjoyed success in franchise cricket, captaining Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to Women’s Premier League (WPL) titles. Earlier this month, she was appointed captain of India’s women’s team after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the leadership role.
Mandhana’s journey demonstrates how talent, dedication and access to opportunities can help young athletes reach the highest level.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
