Smriti Mandhana Takes On New Role Beyond Cricket, Becomes UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate

India’s newly appointed women’s cricket captain Smriti Mandhana has taken on a new responsibility beyond the cricket field, joining UNICEF India as a Celebrity Advocate to champion equal opportunities, health and well-being for adolescent girls.

The announcement was made on Sunday to mark the International Day of the Girl, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness about girls’ rights, safety, leadership and potential, while highlighting the barriers that continue to limit their choices.

Through her new role, Mandhana will support UNICEF India’s efforts to create an environment where girls can learn, play, participate in sports and realise their full potential. She will also advocate for better health and well-being among adolescent girls and greater access to opportunities that enable them to make informed choices and take leadership roles.

Expressing her happiness over the appointment, Mandhana said she was honoured to join UNICEF India and stressed the importance of giving every child the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

“Growing up playing cricket taught me that every dream begins with an opportunity,” she said, adding that hard work, determination and encouragement could help transform that opportunity into something extraordinary.

The left-handed batter emphasised that every child and young person deserves the chance to dream big and reach their full potential, reinforcing the message that encouragement and access to opportunities can play a crucial role in shaping young lives.

Mandhana has previously supported initiatives by UNICEF and the International Cricket Council that promote gender equality and life skills. She has also lent her support to UNICEF’s Promise to Children campaign, building on her association with efforts aimed at improving opportunities for children and young people.

An Arjuna Award recipient, Mandhana is among the leading figures in Indian women’s cricket. Her appointment as UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate comes just days after she was named captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur, who stepped down from the role.

With her growing stature in cricket, Mandhana’s new position gives her another platform to encourage young girls to challenge limitations, pursue their ambitions and participate more confidently in sport and other areas of life.