Mumbai, Nov 15 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) expressed its warmest congratulations to India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and awarded her a sum of Rs 50 lakh on Saturday, recognizing her significant contribution to India's recent victory at the ICC Women's ODI World Cup.

Mandhana was pivotal in India's groundbreaking success at the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, finishing as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer with 434 runs at an impressive average of 54.25. Her standout performance, a match-winning century against New Zealand during the league phase, earned her the Player of the Match accolade and was a crucial moment that propelled India into the semifinals and ultimately to the world championship.

In a statement, the MCA proclaimed, "In honor of her exceptional contributions, the Maharashtra Cricket Association is thrilled to present Smriti Mandhana with a Rs 50 lakh award, celebrating her remarkable achievements and her vital role in enhancing both Maharashtra's and India's reputation on the international stage."

Responding to the recognition, Smriti Mandhana remarked, "My cricketing journey began with age-group cricket in Maharashtra, making it a profound honor for me to represent my state. Our World Cup victory was a collective effort, rooted in discipline and teamwork from every squad member. I am thankful to MCA President Rohit Pawar and the office-bearers for this acknowledgment. The Maharashtra Cricket Association has been instrumental in supporting women's cricket, as evidenced by the launch of the Maharashtra Women's Premier League and our state team's triumph in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy."

During the event, MCA President Rohit Pawar stated, "The entire country beams with pride for the Indian Women's Cricket Team for their remarkable accomplishment. Smriti Mandhana's unwavering consistency, resolve, and match-winning performances were key in securing the World Cup. We are ecstatic to honor her with the Rs 50 lakh award in recognition of her significant contributions. She continues to set new standards and will surely motivate future generations of cricketers."

Pawar also expressed gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their ongoing commitment to providing top-notch facilities and opportunities for both men's and women's players to thrive. "Their initiatives have significantly bolstered India's status as a global cricketing powerhouse," he added.

Former MCA President Ajay Shirke also conveyed his sincere congratulations, stating, "We take great pride in Smriti Mandhana and the entire Indian Women's Cricket Team. Their stellar performances have brought honor to India on the world stage. Congratulations to Smriti for her incredible contributions and to the team for their historic success."

Also in attendance were Adv. Kamlesh Pisal (Hon. Secretary, MCA), Santosh Bobade (Joint Secretary, MCA), and Sanjay Bajaj (Treasurer, MCA), along with distinguished members of the Apex Council of the Maharashtra Cricket Association, who gathered to celebrate and extend their best wishes to Smriti Mandhana.

Earlier this season, the Maharashtra Senior Women's Team secured the Senior Women's T20 Trophy, for which the MCA awarded the team Rs 40 lakh.