Mandira Bedi — a name that revolutionised cricket broadcasting in India — once played a silent yet heroic role in shaping the future of women’s cricket in the country. Long before the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian side lifted the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 trophy, the actress and anchor became an unexpected saviour for the Indian women’s cricket team during one of their toughest phases.

Back in the early 2000s, when Mandira was at the peak of her fame as the face of cricket broadcasting, India’s women’s team was struggling to stay afloat financially. The Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI), which managed the side before it came under the BCCI’s fold in 2006, lacked the resources to support players like Mithali Raj, Anjum Chopra, and Jhulan Goswami. In 2003, when the team was scheduled to tour England, the WCAI couldn’t even afford air tickets or decent accommodation for the squad.

That’s when Mandira Bedi stepped in. While shooting for a diamond jewellery advertisement, she came across the team’s plight and decided to act immediately. Without hesitation, she donated her entire endorsement fee from the commercial to the WCAI, ensuring that the players could travel to England and represent the country.

ALSO READ: Australia Announce Ashes Squad: Jake Weatherald Earns Maiden Call-Up for First Test Against England

Her contribution didn’t stop there. Mandira also used her industry connections to raise additional funds for the association, helping the women’s team survive through a financially turbulent era. Her actions were quiet, selfless, and driven purely by her love for the sport and respect for the players who were striving to make a mark without adequate support.

Recalling those days, Nutan Gavaskar — sister of cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar and a senior WCAI member — told PTI, “There was one tour of New Zealand where we couldn’t afford hotel stays for the girls. NRI families hosted them in their homes. On another occasion, Mandira Bedi shot a commercial and donated her entire fee, which helped us buy air tickets for the England tour.”

ALSO READ: Haris Rauf Handed Two-Match Ban by ICC; SKY and Jasprit Bumrah Also Sanctioned After Asia Cup Clashes

Despite her pivotal role, Mandira never sought recognition or applause. Her act of generosity remained largely unknown for years, quietly etched in the history of Indian cricket. At a time when the women’s game struggled for survival, Mandira Bedi’s compassion and support helped keep the dream alive — paving the way for the champions India celebrates today.