Published on: Mar 16, 2026 6:06 pm IST|Updated on: Mar 16, 2026 6:06 pm IST
The Board of Cricket in India (BCCI) Naman Awards 2026 turned out to be a star-studded affair in the nation’s capital, i.e., New Delhi. The event was held on March 15, 2026, and attended by leading players, officials, and dignitaries. The biggest honours of the evening, i.e., The Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) went to the current Indian Test and ODI skipper Shubman Gill, whereas the Best International Cricketer (Women) went to the Indian women’s team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.
Besides the best men’s and women’s cricketer awards, the likes of Rahul Dravid, Roger Binny, and Mithali Raj were also honored with the prestigious ‘Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award’ for their utmost contribution to Indian cricket.
The 26-year-old right-handed batter and the current skipper of India’s ODI and Test teams received the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the second time in his budding career. He was the recipient of this award in 2023 as well and has gradually established himself as the cornerstone in the aforementioned formats for Team India.
Winning the prestigious award twice at such a young age reflects Gill’s meteoric rise in the cricketing world. Many legends have already tipped him as the next big thing, and he is already the poster boy of Indian cricket, as per the current Indian coach Gautam Gambhir. We congratulate Gill on an outstanding achievement and hope he leads the Indian team with integrity in the future.
In women’s cricket, Smriti Mandhana once again proved her dominance, winning the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for a record fifth time. Mandhana’s consistency has been the hallmark of her career, and her performances in 2025 were pivotal in India’s triumph at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup.
Her elegant stroke play has made her the face of Indian women’s cricket for quite some time now. Mandhana’s fifth award cements her status as one of the finest batters in the women’s game globally. Beyond the numbers, her influence extends to inspiring young girls across India to take up cricket, making her recognition as much about impact as performance.
One of the talking points of the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 was the lifetime achievement awards. Former Indian skipper and head coach ‘The Wall’ Rahul Dravid; 1983 World Cup-winning member and former BCCI president Roger Binny; and one of the mainstays in Indian women’s cricket, Mithali Raj, got the special honor on the awards evening. These three stalwarts of Indian cricket were deservedly bestowed the Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Naman Awards also spotlighted domestic cricket and age-group performers, reinforcing the importance of India’s cricketing pipeline. Rising stars such as the current Indian Under-19 skipper Ayush Mhatre were honored for standout performances in youth competitions, while consistent domestic performers received recognition for their contributions in the Ranji Trophy and other formats.
This emphasis on grassroots cricket reflects BCCI’s commitment to nurturing future talent. By celebrating domestic stalwarts alongside international stars, the awards underline the depth of Indian cricket and the importance of its feeder system.
The BCCI Naman Awards, introduced in the 2006–07 season, are held annually to recognize the best performers in Indian cricket. The awards highlight achievements in international matches, domestic competitions, and contributions from former players who have shaped the game’s legacy.
The 2026 edition once again reflected the depth of talent in Indian cricket. With Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana leading the winners’ list and legends like Rahul Dravid, Roger Binny, and Mithali Raj receiving the deserved lifetime honors, the ceremony celebrated both present excellence and historic achievements.
Why are these awards important? Well, the youth and budding stars get encouraged with awards like these. They get recognition among the greats and legends of the game, which not only helps them improve but also keeps them motivated to do well for their future. These budding cricketers are the future of Indian cricket, and this deed from the BCCI is helping them prosper.
As Indian cricket continues to achieve new milestones across formats and tournaments, the Naman Awards remain a prestigious platform to honor the individuals and teams who drive the sport forward.