Smriti Mandhana claimed the ICC Women Cricketer of the Year award for the second time in her career at the annual ICC Awards ceremony in Dubai, recognised for an extraordinary 2025 season in which she scored 1,247 runs across all formats, including three centuries and nine half-centuries. Mandhana averaged 58.4 in ODIs and 46.9 in T20Is throughout the year, establishing herself as the most consistent opener in women cricket. Her performances were crucial in India winning the Women Asia Cup and reaching the final of the Women World Cup.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said Mandhana has set the benchmark for women cricketers globally. Mandhana, visibly emotional at the ceremony, thanked the entire India women team and support staff for pushing her to be better every day. She also won the ICC Women ODI Cricketer of the Year award, making her the first Indian woman to win two ICC awards in the same calendar year. The BCCI announced a special cash prize of Rs 1 crore for her contribution to Indian women cricket.