By: Entertainment DeskNew Delhi | November 3, 2025 09:58 PM IST 4 min readMandira Bedi was the first woman presenter in Indian sports broadcasting. (Photo: Mandira Bedi/Instagram)Mandira Bedi made her acting debut in 1994 with the iconic television series Shanti and the same year, she signed a role in Shah Rukh Khan–Kajol blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Nearly a decade later, she found herself in a completely new arena — sports broadcasting — when she became one of the first women to host the ICC Cricket World Cup. Her journey, however, was far from easy. Mandira faced harsh criticism; she was labeled “dumb” and people doubted for her ability to discuss cricket on a serious platform. Yet, through confidence, preparation, and perseverance, she silenced her critics. In doing so, she not only carved her own space in a male-dominated field but also helped change perceptions about women’s participation in cricket — both on and off the field.After 50 years of existence, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team finally made the nation proud on the global stage. Their triumph brought tears, cheers, and celebration across the country. But few remember that there was a time when women’s cricket in India had no sponsors, no money, and no visibility. Foreign tours were an ordeal, and players often paid from their own pockets to represent the nation.Recalling those days, Nutan Gavaskar, the younger sister of cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar and long-time secretary of the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI), told PTI: “The WCAI was formed in 1973 and managed the national team until 2006, when the BCCI finally took women’s cricket under its wing. Back then, there was no money — but all those women played for the sheer passion and love of the game.”ALSO READ | ‘Shah Rukh Khan’s favourites were cola, coffee, chicken and Gauri Chhiba’: Viveck Vaswani recalls the broke, homeless actorShe added, “We were under the International Women’s Cricket Council (IWCC), which made it clear that women’s cricket wasn’t a professional sport. There was no financial support because we weren’t considered professionals.”It was during one such difficult time that Mandira Bedi stepped in to help. Already a prominent face in television, cricket broadcasting, and fitness, Mandira used her influence to raise funds for the women’s team.“On another occasion, we had Mandira Bedi, who shot a commercial for a famous diamond brand. The entire endorsement fee she received, she donated to the WCAI. That money helped us arrange air tickets for India’s tour of England,” Nutan revealed.Story continues below this adMandira had earlier told The Telegraph India, “The money I would have taken for my endorsement will go towards the cricket sponsorship.”She also promised this was just the beginning: “There is another sponsor lined up for the next series.”ALSO READ | Ranveer Singh’s protein brand — eyeing Rs 500 cr in 5 years — is taste-tested by his family, was pitched the idea on a basketball court and via GIFsShubhangi Kulkarni, then secretary of the Women’s Cricket Association of India and a former Indian player, added: “It was very difficult to get sponsors in the last few years. But once Mandira took up our cause, other corporates began to show interest. She came to watch a match, and we told her, ‘You have done so much for men’s cricket — why not do something for us?’ She took it up earnestly and soon began approaching sponsors.”Story continues below this adAfter India’s recent victory against the South Africa in the World Cup final in Mumbai, Mandira Bedi took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message. Her post featured a handwritten note that read: “You didn’t play for a nation, you moved it.”She paired the message with Sukhwinder Singh’s iconic track Chak De! India, perfectly capturing the emotion behind the women’s team’s journey — from being overlooked to becoming national heroes.In her caption, Mandira wrote: “I once stood on the sidelines of women’s cricket, humbled by its grit and grace. Last night, you showed the world its power. This victory was not a moment; it was a shift in the heartbeat of every little girl who will now dream without apology.”Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Mandira Bedi