When the Indian women’s cricket team lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time, the entire nation rejoiced. Under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, they defeated South Africa and became world champions — a moment that filled every Indian heart with pride.
But few know that years before this historic victory, there was a time when the women’s team could barely afford to dream — let alone fly abroad for matches. And it wasn’t a corporate sponsor or a cricket board that came to their rescue. It was a Bollywood actress who ensured their journey didn’t end before it even began.
That actress was Mandira Bedi — known to millions as the radiant face from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, but to Indian women’s cricket, she was their silent savior.
Between 2003 and 2005, long before the BCCI took charge of women’s cricket, there were no sponsors, no big funds, and hardly any recognition. Players often stayed at NRI homes during international tours to save money and traveled in general train compartments carrying shared kits. Amid these struggles, Mandira Bedi quietly used her influence to help the team.
She personally convinced Asmi Jewellery to sponsor the women’s squad for their 2004 West Indies tour. And in a gesture that spoke volumes about her generosity, Mandira donated her entire endorsement fee from the deal so that the players could afford their plane tickets and proudly represent India on the world stage.
“The money I would have taken for my endorsement will go towards the cricket sponsorship,” she told The Telegraph at the time.
Former player and WCAI secretary Shubhangi Kulkarni later revealed that Mandira’s act of kindness became a turning point for women’s cricket. Her support caught the attention of corporate India and sent out a powerful message — that women’s cricket did not deserve pity, but belief, investment, and opportunity.
She also revealed why Mandira Bedi took such a deep interest in women’s cricket.
Shubhangi Kulkarni recalled, “Once, Mandira came to watch one of our matches. We jokingly said to her, ‘You’ve done so much for men’s cricket, why not do something for us too?’ She took those words to heart — and soon after, she began reaching out to sponsors on our behalf.”
Long before women’s cricket received the recognition it has today, Mandira Bedi was the invisible sponsor, the unseen force who believed in them when few did. Her compassion and quiet contribution remain one of the most touching yet forgotten stories in Indian sports — a beautiful reminder that heroes don’t always wear jerseys; sometimes, they wear kindness.
