Sports · Cricket · 14 hrs ago
Smriti Mandhana named UNICEF India celebrity advocate
Smriti Mandhana, the captain of India’s women’s cricket team, has been named a celebrity advocate by UNICEF India.
The announcement came on the International Day of the Girl, which highlights girls’ rights, safety and potential.
In the role, Mandhana will support efforts to improve adolescent girls’ health and well-being and expand their chances to learn, play and lead.
She said her experience playing cricket showed her how opportunity and encouragement can help people reach their potential.
The appointment follows her recent move into the full-time white-ball captaincy after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down.
Sachin Tendulkar, who is associated with UNICEF in South Asia, welcomed Mandhana’s appointment.
She is expected to use her public profile to promote children’s rights and equal opportunities for girls.
Smriti Mandhana was named a UNICEF India celebrity advocate on October 11.
She will support efforts to empower adolescent girls and promote their health, well-being and equal opportunities.
The announcement was made on the International Day of the Girl.
Mandhana said her experience playing cricket taught her that every dream begins with an opportunity.
Sachin Tendulkar welcomed her appointment, saying she would be a voice for children’s rights.
- Who
- Smriti Mandhana, Indian women’s cricket captain, was named the advocate.
- What
- She was appointed a UNICEF India celebrity advocate.
- When
- October 11, 2026, on the International Day of the Girl.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- UNICEF India aims to use her influence to promote girls’ rights, well-being and equal opportunities.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
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.
Welcome to the @UNICEFIndia family, @mandhana_smriti! You inspire millions on the field, and I know you will be a brilliant voice for children’s rights off it,
I made my choice, and here I am today, proudly representing India in international cricket.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India appointed Mandhana captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, replacing Harmanpreet Kaur.
UNICEF India announced Mandhana’s appointment as a celebrity advocate on the International Day of the Girl.
- New role
- UNICEF India celebrity advocate
- Announcement date
- October 11, 2026
- Occasion
- International Day of the Girl
- Advocacy focus
- Adolescent girls’ empowerment, health, well-being and equal opportunities
- Team role
- Captain of the Indian women’s cricket team
Sources
Indian sports wrap, October 11: Smriti Mandhana named UNICEF India celebrity advocate
Smriti Mandhana named celebrity advocate by UNICEF India
Smriti Mandhana Takes On Major UNICEF Role, Sachin Tendulkar Reacts
Smriti Mandhana joins UNICEF family, Sachin Tendulkar backs her mission for children
UNICEF India Names Cricket Icon Smriti Mandhana As Celebrity Advocate
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