Mithali Raj Celebrated with BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women

Mithali Raj, the former captain of the Indian women's cricket team, has been awarded the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women. In her acceptance speech, she acknowledged the support of mentors and teammates throughout her career. Mithali expressed pride in the recent achievements of Indian cricket across all levels and highlighted the influence of male cricketers in inspiring women's cricket. She also shared insights from her interactions with cricket legends Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, emphasizing the importance of mentorship. With a career spanning over two decades, Mithali has left an indelible mark on the sport, becoming the highest run-scorer in women's ODIs and leading India to two World Cup finals.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 12:01 IST

Recognition of a Legendary Career

Mithali Raj, the former captain of the Indian women's cricket team, recently received the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women during the BCCI Naman Awards 2026. She expressed gratitude towards her mentors, coaches, and teammates, emphasizing that this honor is not just a personal achievement but a tribute to all those who have supported her throughout her cricketing journey.

Pride in Indian Cricket's Progress

Mithali shared her pride in the recent successes of Indian cricket, highlighting the impressive performances of both men's and women's teams, as well as the under-19 squads. "In the past few years, Indian cricket has excelled across all categories. It fills me with pride as a former player to witness this growth. I've always hoped for Indian cricket to thrive, and that time has finally arrived," she remarked.

Inspiration from Men's Cricket

The former cricketer noted the steady evolution of women's cricket and acknowledged the significant influence of prominent male cricketers in inspiring female players. "Every sport has its own timeline. Women's cricket has had its unique journey, just like men's cricket. However, we have drawn a lot of motivation from our male counterparts," she stated.

Mentorship from Cricket Legends

Mithali specifically mentioned the valuable guidance she received from cricket icons Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar during her time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and the Centre of Excellence (COE). "Whenever I encountered them at the NCA or COE, they were always willing to share insights about batting and the sport. Their advice was instrumental during my playing days. The interaction between male and female cricketers is beneficial, as we strive to meet the standards set by men's cricket," she added.

A Remarkable Legacy

Mithali was honored with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women due to her exceptional contributions to women's cricket. Over her illustrious career spanning more than two decades, she became the highest run-scorer in women's ODIs, amassing 7,805 runs and significantly enhancing the visibility of women's cricket in India. As captain, she led India to two ICC Women's World Cup finals, inspiring countless young cricketers and elevating the status of Indian women's cricket on the global stage.