Mandira Bedi funded India women’s cricket team’s travel during early days

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In a moving reminder of women’s cricket’s early struggles, a report has revealed that Mandira Bedi acted as an “invisible sponsor” for the Indian women’s team decades ago, donating her entire ad remuneration to cover their travel expenses.

Before official sponsorships or BCCI support became standard, India’s women cricketers often lacked basic financial resources — including funds for airfare and training. According to veteran cricketers quoted in the report, Mandira Bedi quietly stepped in during one such moment, ensuring the team could compete in an overseas tournament.

At a time when women’s cricket received little public attention, Mandira Bedi’s gesture symbolised the solidarity between two underrepresented worlds — cinema and women’s sport. Players described her contribution as an act of belief and generosity that allowed the team to represent India when financial constraints nearly derailed their plans.

The story has resurfaced on social media following India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup victory, reigniting discussions on how the sport’s early years were powered by unseen champions.

Cricket historians note that such stories highlight the grassroots challenges female athletes faced, long before the modern era of sponsorship, equal pay, and televised tournaments.