Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) extended heartfelt congratulations to India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and felicitated her with a Rs 50 lakh award on Saturday for her role in India winning the ICC Women\u2019s ODI World Cup a few days back.<\/p>\n
Mandhana played a key role in India\u2019s historic triumph at the ICC Women\u2019s World Cup 2025. She finished as the second-highest run-scorer of the World Cup, amassing 434 runs at an impressive average of 54.25. Her match-winning century against New Zealand in the league stage, earning her the Player of the Match honour, stood out as one of the tournament\u2019s defining moments and paved the way for India to reach the semifinals and subsequently become world champions.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn recognition of her extraordinary contribution, the Maharashtra Cricket Association is pleased to felicitate Smriti Mandhana with a Rs 50 lakh award, celebrating her excellence and her invaluable role in elevating Maharashtra\u2019s and India\u2019s stature on the global stage,\u201d the MCA said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Reacting to the honour, Smriti Mandhana said, \u201cI began my cricketing journey playing age-group cricket for Maharashtra, and it is a matter of immense pride for me to represent my state. Our World Cup win was the result of collective effort, discipline, and teamwork from every player in the squad. I am grateful to MCA President Rohit Pawar and all office-bearers for this recognition. Maharashtra Cricket Association has been doing exceptional work for women cricketers, and the recently launched Maharashtra Women\u2019s Premier League, followed by the state team\u2019s victory in the Senior Women\u2019s T20 Trophy, reflects this commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking on the occasion, MCA President Rohit Pawar said, \u201cThe entire nation is immensely proud of the Indian Women\u2019s Cricket Team for their extraordinary achievement. Smriti Mandhana\u2019s remarkable consistency, determination, and match-winning performances were instrumental in securing the World Cup. We are delighted to honour her with the Rs 50 lakh award in recognition of her outstanding contribution. She continues to set new benchmarks and will undoubtedly inspire generations of young cricketers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for consistently providing world-class infrastructure, opportunities, and an enabling environment for both Men\u2019s and Women\u2019s players to grow and excel. Their efforts have significantly strengthened India\u2019s position as a global cricketing powerhouse,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Former MCA President Ajay Shirke also extended his heartfelt wishes, stating, \u201cWe are extremely proud of Smriti Mandhana and the entire Indian Women\u2019s Cricket Team. Their outstanding performances have elevated India\u2019s pride on the global stage. My sincere congratulations to Smriti for her remarkable contribution and to the team for their historic achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also present on the occasion were Adv. Kamlesh Pisal (Hon. Secretary, MCA), Santosh Bobade (Joint Secretary, MCA), and Sanjay Bajaj (Treasurer, MCA), along with all the distinguished Apex Council Members of the Maharashtra Cricket Association, who graced the ceremony and extended their best wishes to Smriti Mandhana.<\/p>\n
Earlier this season, the Maharashtra Senior Women\u2019s Team clinched the Senior Women\u2019s T20 Trophy, for which MCA awarded the squad Rs 40 lakh.<\/p>\n
\u2013IANS<\/p>\n
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