Andy Devaney
If you thought England cricket was just about whites, wickets, and warm beer, think again. This summer, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has teamed up with none other than Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha to give England cricket a cinematic kick up the backside—and it’s about time.
Chadha’s three-minute, high-octane trailer is her first foray into sport since she made Keira Knightley a football icon and proved you don’t need a Y chromosome to pack out stadiums.
Now she’s turning her lens toward the growing giant that is women’s cricket, just in time for England’s fiery series against India Women.
This isn’t just a teaser—it’s a cultural celebration. The film stitches together iconic England vs India cricket moments, including a cheeky nod to Sourav Ganguly’s shirt-waving at Lord’s and that controversial run-out from the last England-India women’s clash.
All blended with Chadha’s signature flair and a few winks to her Beckham roots, it’s the kind of trailer that doesn’t just sell a series—it sells a movement.
It stars England players Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Heather Knight, and Lauren Filer alongside jubilant fans, shot amid both real match footage and bespoke sequences.
The aim? To reflect the rivalry, unity, and growing brilliance of women’s cricket in full Technicolour. And judging by the energy, this isn’t just a series—it’s a showdown.
England Women’s captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, fresh off a victorious campaign against the West Indies, was clearly thrilled: “I grew up watching Bend It Like Beckham, so it’s really exciting to be working with Gurinder to produce something special for women’s cricket.
Playing India is always a massive test, and we love the rivalry with them… The real viewing will be out on the pitch, and we can’t wait to get out there and put a show on for the fans!”
That rivalry gets a whole new layer this year. For the first time ever, England Women, England Men, and the England Men’s Mixed Disability team will all play India in tandem. It’s not just symbolic—it’s strategic. The ECB is building towards the 2026 ICC T20 Women’s World Cup on home soil, and this is their all-guns-blazing statement of intent.
And Chadha’s involvement? Inspired by family and cricket lore. “I was delighted to be asked to work on this project with England Women,” she said.
“I grew up with this tumultuous series as my dad was a HUGE cricket fan… The current England squad has a great energy… India also has a great squad so I’m sure it will be a fantastic moment for the game and fans whomever you support!”
“Gurinder’s Bend It Like Beckham was decades ahead of its time… She was the perfect person to work with on this trailer, and we hope this film shows the impact women’s cricket is having.” ECB Deputy CEO Clare Connor
The trailer, which debuted on England Cricket’s official channels and ECB.co.uk, is more than a promotional tool—it’s a rallying cry.
With the real action kicking off on 28 June at Trent Bridge, the England cricket team isn’t just stepping onto the pitch—they’re stepping into the spotlight.
Tickets are flying faster than a Jimmy Anderson outswinger, so if you want in on the action, head to www.ecb.co.uk/tickets/england.
Whether you’re Team England, Team India, or just Team Good Cricket, this summer promises drama, rivalry, and maybe, just maybe, a few Bollywood-worthy moments.
