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Chandigarh:  The Punjab government is set to honour its three women cricketers who were part of India’s historic T20 World Cup-winning team, with each player likely to receive a cash award of ₹1.5 crore. However, team captain and Deputy Superintendent of Police Harmanpreet Kaur is unlikely to get an immediate promotion in the state police.

According to senior officials, Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur will also be offered government jobs, similar to the state’s gesture last year when nine hockey players were inducted into the Punjab Civil Services after winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A formal felicitation ceremony will be organised once Harmanpreet returns to Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to interact with the players personally. However, officials remain uncertain whether the event will mirror Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s televised interaction with the World Cup-winning squad and support staff.

Promotion Not Feasible Yet

While the state is considering “special recognition” for Harmanpreet, officials clarified that her promotion to Superintendent of Police (SP) is not feasible at this stage. “She was appointed DSP only in 2024 and will require a few more years of service to qualify for the next rank,” an officer said. Notably, Olympic bronze medallist Manpreet Singh, who also serves as a DSP in Punjab Police, has been awaiting promotion to SP since 2021, despite an earlier announcement by then Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh.

Past Controversy and Reinstatement

Harmanpreet’s police career has seen its share of setbacks. In 2018, she was demoted from DSP to constable after she graduated from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, which was not UGC-affiliated at the time. The demotion came shortly after her appointment as DSP following her 2017 Women’s World Cup heroics.

She maintained that her degree was valid and had earlier helped her secure a job with the Railways. The state government refrained from legal action but retained her as a constable until she completed her academic qualifications. She was reinstated as DSP in 2024 after obtaining a degree through distance education from Lovely Professional University.

Awaiting CM’s Announcement

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Sangrur MP and former Sports Minister Meet Hayer have indicated that a formal announcement by the Chief Minister is imminent. Officials said preparations for the awards have been finalised and will be made public soon after Harmanpreet’s return. The Indian women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, made history last week by winning its first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa in the final at the DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai.