Smriti Mandhana joins UNICEF India as celebrity advocate

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has been named UNICEF India’s newest Celebrity Advocate, with the orgsation announcing the appointment through its official social media account.“Welcome to the UNICEF family, Smriti Mandhana,” UNICEF India said in its announcement, adding that the partnership would focus on championing children’s rights and well-being under its #ForEveryChild campaign.The appointment brings one of Indian women’s cricket’s most prominent figures into UNICEF India’s advocacy work. Celebrity Advocates use their public profiles to raise awareness of children’s issues and support initiatives aimed at improving their lives.Building on sport’s reachMandhana’s appointment follows UNICEF India’s previous collaborations with Indian cricket and other sporting personalities to promote children’s rights.In September 2025, UNICEF India and the International Cricket Council joined hands for the Promise to Children digital campaign during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Mandhana, who was India’s women’s team vice-captain at the time, supported the initiative alongside UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana.The campaign called on cricket fans, players and audiences to support equal opportunities for children, particularly those from vulnerable communities. Its focus areas included access to education, healthcare, nutrition, safe water, station and protection from violence.The collaboration demonstrated how cricket’s audience and reach could be used to bring children’s issues to public attention. Mandhana’s new role creates another opportunity to connect her profile as an international cricketer with UNICEF’s advocacy work.UNICEF’s celebrity advocacy networkUNICEF works with public figures across sport, cinema, music and other fields to raise awareness of children’s rights and mobilise support for its programmes. Its advocates may contribute through public campaigns, field visits, awareness initiatives and engagement with decision-makers.Mandhana’s appointment adds a leading figure from Indian women’s cricket to that effort. The announcement identifies children’s rights and well-being as the shared focus of the partnership.Further details about Mandhana’s planned activities, specific campaign commitments and the areas she will prioritise in her role have not been confirmed in the announcement provided.The partnership brings together the reach of women’s cricket and UNICEF India’s work for children, with the stated aim of advancing the rights and well-being of every child.