Smriti Mandhana joins the UNICEF family, Sachin Tendulkar supports its mission for children

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has taken a major step beyond the cricket field by joining UNICEF India as a celebrity advocate, pledging to promote children’s rights, gender equality and equal opportunities for young girls. The left-handed batsman will use his influence to raise awareness of the challenges children face and promote a more inclusive environment where every child can learn, play and fulfill their potential.

Mandhana’s appointment has received a warm welcome from legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who is himself associated with UNICEF as its regional goodwill ambassador for South Asia.

Tendulkar has been working with the organization for over a decade, supporting initiatives related to child welfare, health and education. Tendulkar welcomed Mandhana to the UNICEF India family and expressed confidence that the Indian star would become a powerful voice for children’s rights.

In a message shared on social media, Tendulkar wrote, “Welcome to the @UNICEFIndia family, @mandhana_smriti! You inspire millions on the field and I know you will be a great voice for children’s rights off it.”

A CHILDHOOD’S DREAM BECOME A DEATH MISSION

Mandhana’s own childhood experiences shaped her commitment to ensuring that girls have the freedom to choose their future. Recalling how her cricketing journey began, she spoke of the encouragement she received from her parents and the challenges of balancing academics with her sporting ambitions.

“As a 9-year-old, I went to my first cricket court and accompanied my brother for fun. I continued to enjoy my childhood and playing cricket. My father always encouraged me to play cricket, while my mother knew how difficult it could be to balance my journey as a professional cricketer with my academics,” said Mandhana.

Welcome to the UNICEF family, Smriti Mandhana. UNICEF India is delighted to announce @mandhana_smriti as our newest Celebrity Advocate. Together we will fight for the rights and well-being #For EveryChild. UNICEF India (@UNICEFIndia) October 11, 2026

Her journey from a young girl accompanying her brother to becoming one of India’s most famous cricketers highlights the importance of family support and the freedom to make personal decisions. Mandhana believes that every girl should have the opportunity to discover her strengths and follow her dreams, regardless of societal expectations.

“I made a decision and here I am today, proudly representing India in international cricket. Looking back, I realize that every girl deserves the freedom to choose her path, follow her dreams and discover what she is best at. Being a girl shouldn’t dictate how far she can go.”

A NEW LEADERSHIP CHAPTER

Mandhana’s appointment to UNICEF comes at an important moment in her career. On 6 October 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India appointed her as the new captain of the Indian women’s cricket teamhe replaced Harmanpreet Kaur who stepped down from the leadership role across formats.

Mandhana, who has served as India’s vice-captain and previously led the side in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, will make her permanent white-ball captaincy debut in the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe.

Outlining her vision as UNICEF India’s celebrity advocate, Mandhana added, “Together let’s build an inclusive world where children are empowered and have equal opportunities to learn, play, thrive, where equality is the foundation of success. I am proud to join UNICEF India as a celebrity advocate to support children, especially young girls. I stand for equal opportunities for girls to grow up and help them in their rightful growth. a promise to children.”

With Tendulkar’s support and her own growing influence in Indian sport, Mandhana’s association with UNICEF represents an opportunity to amplify an important message: every child deserves equal opportunity and every girl should have the freedom to dream without limits.

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