PSG Wins Laureus World Team of the Year; India’s Women’s Team Falls Short
India’s women’s cricket team, celebrated for their remarkable performance in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, recently faced disappointment at the prestigious Laureus awards. The Laureus World Team of the Year award for 2026 was given to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during a grand ceremony at Cibeles Palace on April 20. Despite their significant achievements last November, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team could not clinch the coveted award.
The Indian squad was nominated among strong contenders, including the England women’s football team, the European Ryder Cup team, McLaren Formula 1 Team, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing the intense competition they faced.
PSG earned the honor after an exceptional 2025 season, guided by coach Luis Enrique. The French team bagged six major titles, highlighted by a stunning 5-0 victory against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final. They also achieved a domestic treble by winning Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophe des Champions, along with the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup, marking an unforgettable year.
India’s Journey to Glory
The journey of India’s women during the 2025 World Cup was anything but ordinary. They kicked off the tournament with strong performances against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, showcasing a perfect mix of aggressive batting and steady bowling. However, they hit a rough patch, facing three consecutive losses to Australia, South Africa, and England, revealing vulnerabilities against stronger teams.
An additional setback came when key opener Pratika Rawal, who scored an impressive 308 runs, had to withdraw due to an ankle injury. Shafali Verma stepped in to fill the gap. Nevertheless, India demonstrated remarkable determination during the knockout stages.
They made headlines by achieving a record chase against Australia in the semi-finals and ultimately secured their first Women’s World Cup title with a 52-run victory over South Africa in the final. Shafali’s remarkable performances and Deepti Sharma’s crucial contributions played vital roles in this historical achievement, igniting joy across the nation.
Currently, the Indian women’s team is in South Africa for a five-match T20I series. After suffering an eight-wicket loss in their recent match, they are now trailing 0-2. Looking ahead, they will head to England for a three-match T20I series and a Test match at Lord’s before turning their attention to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup starting on June 12.
