The Indian women’s cricket team has achieved a historic milestone by being nominated for the Laureus World Team of the Year 2026 award. This prestigious recognition follows their spectacular maiden triumph in the Women’s ODI World Cup last year. The nomination is a landmark moment, as it marks the first time a women’s cricket team has ever been shortlisted for this specific category in the 26-year history of the Laureus World Sports Awards.
India Women’s cricket team shortlisted for prestigious 2026 Laureus Honour
The team’s journey to the title was a testament to their resilience and record-breaking skill. After a rocky start that saw three consecutive group-stage losses to South Africa, Australia, and England, the squad found themselves on the brink of elimination. However, they staged a remarkable comeback, highlighted by a dramatic semi-final victory over Australia where they successfully chased down 339 runs, the highest successful chase in the history of women’s ODIs. They eventually sealed the championship by defeating South Africa in the final on home soil.
Established in 2000, the Laureus World Sports Awards celebrate the absolute pinnacle of sporting excellence. The "Team of the Year" category specifically honors squads that have defined their season through supreme, history-making performances. By securing this nomination, the Indian women’s team joins an elite global stage, further cementing the growing influence and stature of women's cricket within the international sporting community.
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The nominees for the Laureus World Team of the Year 2026 are:
England Women’s Football Team: Who defended their European Championship title with a penalty shoot-out victory over reigning world champions, Spain
European Ryder Cup Team Golf: Who claimed a 16th Ryder Cup title after a 15-13 win: Europe’s first away win since 2012
India Women’s Cricket Team: Who won a maiden World Cup title, after recording the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history in a semi-final win against Australia
McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team (UK) Motor Racing: Who won their 10th World Constructors’ Championship with six races to spare
Oklahoma City Thunder (USA) Basketball: Who equalled the 1996/97 Chicago Bulls team for most NBA season wins en route to winning their first NBA championship
Paris Saint-Germain (France) Football: Who won a first UEFA Champions League title, defeating Inter Milan 5-0 and a historic six titles across the calendar year