Smriti Mandhana has been one of Indian cricket’s most consistent stars, playing a pivotal role in India’s historic 2025 Women’s World Cup victory.
Off the field, she also owns the SM18 Sports Café in her hometown region of Sangli, Maharashtra. According to The Financial Express, “She also runs her own business, a restaurant called SM18 Sports Café in Sangli, named after her initials and jersey number.”
Why Sangli? Why “SM18”?
Rather than set up shop in a big city, Smriti chose Sangli; a place deeply connected to her roots. Coverage by MansWorld India states: “Mandhana has ventured into entrepreneurship with SM18 Café in her hometown of Sangli, Maharashtra. The café, named after her initials and jersey number, is a popular local spot and reflects her business acumen.”
The naming “SM18” cleverly fuses her identity (S.M.) with her jersey number (18), which gives the café a brand link that fans immediately recognise.
Family & Operations: More Than Just Branding
Even though the café carries her name, Smriti has said she wasn’t fully sure how to run a café. In an article in Mid-Day, she is quoted thanking her brother, stating that “being a big foodie myself… few years back I decided to open … but did not know how to start or run it. So I asked bhaiya if he would be keen to look after it.”
What It Represents
• Branding: Smriti moved beyond cricket – the café is a brand extension of her identity, not just the sport.
• Local roots: Sangli being the location shows she chose a personal and familiar ground rather than chasing metropolitan glamour.
• Community & authenticity: With family involved and a local base, the venture retains authenticity rather than feeling detached.
• Long-term vision: A café is a tangible business asset, anchoring her name in local commerce and perhaps preparing for life beyond active play.
From Cricket to Cooking
Smriti Mandhana’s dive into hospitality via the SM18 Café in Sangli is simple in description but layered in meaning. It’s about staying connected to home, leveraging her personal brand, and creating something more lasting than just a sports moment.
