Published:
India women’s cricket captain Smriti Mandhana has been named a Celebrity Advocate by UNICEF India, bringing one of the country’s leading cricketers into a wider effort to advance girls’ rights, well-being and equal opportunities.
The announcement was made on Sunday, October 11, 2026, to coincide with the International Day of the Girl, which highlights girls’ rights, safety, leadership and potential.
In her new role, Mandhana will use her public profile to raise awareness of issues affecting girls and young people. UNICEF India’s stated priorities for her advocacy include adolescent girls’ empowerment, health and well-being, and access to opportunities to learn, play and lead.
The initiative also aims to encourage an environment in which girls can participate in sport and pursue their ambitions without being held back by unequal opportunities.
Mandhana’s involvement connects the reach of women’s cricket with a broader conversation about the importance of education, participation, confidence and equal rights for children.
According to The New Indian Express, Mandhana said she was deeply honoured to join UNICEF India as a Celebrity Advocate. She reflected on how growing up playing cricket taught her that every dream begins with an opportunity, and emphasised the importance of hard work, determination and encouragement.
Her message underlined the importance of ensuring that every child and young person has the chance to dream big and reach their full potential.
The appointment builds on Mandhana’s previous involvement in initiatives promoting children’s rights, equal opportunities and life skills.
In 2023, she supported the CRIIIO 4 GOOD initiative launched by the International Cricket Council, the Board of Control for Cricket in India, UNICEF and the Ministry of Education. The initiative used cricket-based learning modules to promote life skills and gender equity among children.
Mandhana also supported the ICC and UNICEF Promise to Children campaign during the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. That campaign encouraged greater commitment to children’s rights, including education, healthcare, nutrition, protection and safe childhoods.
These earlier activities provide context for her new advocacy role and demonstrate how cricket can help communicate messages about inclusion and opportunity.
Cricket has a powerful platform in India, and prominent players can help bring social issues to wider audiences. Mandhana’s appointment offers an opportunity to connect the visibility of women’s sport with conversations about girls’ access to education, healthy development, participation and leadership.
The impact of advocacy depends on sustained awareness and meaningful opportunities for young people. Mandhana’s role will support UNICEF India’s efforts to bring these priorities into public discussion.
Smriti Mandhana’s appointment as a UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate adds a new dimension to her public role as a leading figure in Indian women’s cricket. With a focus on girls’ empowerment, equal opportunities and adolescent well-being, the partnership aims to help more young people access the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
The New Indian Express — “Smriti Mandhana named UNICEF India celebrity advocate for girls’ empowerment.” Published October 11, 2026.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/sports-news/2026/Oct/11/smriti-mandhana-named-unicef-india-celebrity-advocate-for-girls-empowerment
Supports the appointment, Mandhana’s stated priorities and reported remarks.
IANS — “UNICEF India names cricket icon Smriti Mandhana as their celebrity advocate.” Published October 11, 2026.
https://ianslive.in/unicef-india-names-cricket-icon-smriti-mandhana-as-their-celebrity-advocate--20261011123635
Independently corroborates the appointment and its focus on adolescent girls.
UNICEF India — “ICC, BCCI, Ministry of Education and UNICEF launch CRIIIO 4 GOOD initiative.” September 28, 2023.
https://www.unicef.org/india/press-releases/icc-bcci-ministry-education-and-unicef-launch-criiio-4-good-initiative
Provides background on Mandhana’s earlier involvement in cricket-based learning and gender-equity advocacy.
UNICEF India — “Make a Promise to Children: ICC and UNICEF drive equal opportunities for children in India.” September 29, 2025.
https://www.unicef.org/india/press-releases/make-promise-children-icc-and-unicef-drive-equal-opportunities-children-india
Supports the background on the Promise to Children campaign.
