Mumbai: Ahead of International Women’s Day, Mattel announced that its iconic brand Barbie has launched the first-ever Barbie Dream Team, a global initiative celebrating influential women across industries with one-of-a-kind dolls created in their likeness. Representing India in the global lineup is Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana, recognised for her contribution to women’s cricket and for inspiring young girls to pursue sports with confidence.
Mandhana becomes the first cricketer to receive a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll as part of the initiative. The special doll honours her journey and achievements, including becoming the first Indian woman cricketer to score centuries in all three international formats—Test, ODI and T20. Created as a tribute to her impact both on and off the field, the doll is not available for retail and has been designed exclusively to recognise her influence in shaping the perception of women’s cricket in India.
“This is incredibly special to me. Not just in India, but to be part of the Barbie Dream Team worldwide. All the women here are so inspiring, and I have grown up looking up to them. I felt very emotional because, while growing up, cricket was never the first choice for an Indian girl. I never imagined that one day there would be a one-of-a-kind Barbie made to look like me. Playing sport for India is one thing, but inspiring young girls is another- and there’s no better way to do that than through Barbie.” said Smriti Mandhana, Vice-Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket team.
“Barbie has always championed the belief that girls can be anything. From astronauts to CEOs, Barbie has broken barriers and redefined what’s possible – igniting imagination and inspiring generations of girls to dream without limits,” said Nathan Baynard, Vice President and Head of Barbie at Mattel. “This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to build on that legacy with the launch of our Barbie Dream Team, celebrating an extraordinary group of global trailblazers who are paving the way for the next generation. By honoring their achievements, we hope to inspire girls everywhere to pursue their passions boldly and realize their limitless potential.”
The Barbie Dream Team initiative builds on the brand’s long-standing effort to highlight inspiring women role models. Since its debut in 1959, Barbie has celebrated more than 100 women across industries who have driven meaningful change and expanded possibilities for young girls worldwide.
Alongside Mandhana, this year’s global Barbie Dream Team honours trailblazers from across sport, science, music and exploration, including tennis legend Serena Williams, research astronaut Kellie Gerardi, Mexican race car driver Regina Sirvent, England footballer Chloe Kelly, German pop star Helene Fischer, Polish mountaineer Zoja Skubis, and Australian surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore. Together, the honourees represent diverse fields and achievements, highlighting the many paths young girls can aspire to pursue globally.
