New Delhi: After shooting to fame more than two decades ago for directing the iconic ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ movie, Gurinder Chadha is back in the headlines with another sports venture. Chadha, a British-Indian filmmaker, made her name after making a girl ‘bend’ the rules to realise her football dream, is now making waves with her work on cricket.
Chadha, the iconic creator of the 2002 film, which also featured legendary English footballer David Beckham, has directed a film trailer to promote England’s series against the Indian women’s team in collaboration with the host board (ECB). The series, which comprises five T20Is and three ODIs, begins on June 27, with the first T20 scheduled to be played at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
Celebrating the fierce rivalry of India and England
ECB, in a press release, said that the three-minute film is an ode to the fierce rivalry and also the cultural unity between the two teams and their fans. It also depicts the “evolution of women’s cricket into the sporting spectacle”.
An elated Chadha said, “I was delighted to be asked to work on this project with England Women. I’m a huge fan of women in sport, and I grew up with this tumultuous series as my dad was a huge cricket fan.
“So I was inspired by his love of the game to champion yet another women’s sport that’s so important to me.
“The current England squad has a great energy, and I wish them the best of luck in the upcoming series against India – but India also has a great squad, so I’m sure it will be fantastic moment for the game and fans whomever you support! I’ll be there watching.”
The film features English stars Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Heather Knight and Lauren Filer alongside. The film celebrates the on-field rivalry and off-field camaraderie between the two great cricketing nations and features some iconic moments, including the famous shirt-waving celebrations by Sourav Ganguly and Andrew Flintoff.
The trailer sets the tone perfectly for the series and the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup in 2026, which will take place in England.
