Story perspectives

Smriti Mandhana Named India Women’s Cricket Captain

By Drooid · Oct 7, 2026, 2:59 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Batter Smriti Mandhana was named captain of India’s women’s cricket team by the BCCI.
Former captain Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from all formats on October 6, 2026.
She will captain the series against Zimbabwe, starting with three T20Is in Raipur on October 16, 2026.
President Mithun Manhas and Secretary Devajit Saikia praised Mandhana’s leadership and her WPL titles in 2024 and 2026.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 1909, the ICC—renamed in 1987 and relocating its headquarters to Dubai in 2005—has steadily broadened cricket’s global reach, now governing 111 members, including 12 full Test nations. After granting women’s T20I status in 2018, the board’s emphasis on gender equity continues with the BCCI naming Smriti Mandhana captain in 2026, signaling heightened visibility for Indian women’s cricket.

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Story summary

Batter Smriti Mandhana was named captain of India’s women’s cricket team by the BCCI.
Former captain Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from all formats on October 6, 2026.
She will captain the series against Zimbabwe, starting with three T20Is in Raipur on October 16, 2026.
President Mithun Manhas and Secretary Devajit Saikia praised Mandhana’s leadership and her WPL titles in 2024 and 2026.

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