Ahead of the England vs India Women’s cricket match later this summer, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has collaborated with British-Indian director Gurinder Chadha to craft a short film trailer.
The three-minute shot, which celebrates “the fierce rivalry and cultural unity” between the two teams, is Chadha’s first sports film since Bend it Like Beckham, the 2002 comedy that starred Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley.
It will star players Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Heather Knight and Lauren Filer alongside the sports fans including the Barmy Army.
“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,” said Chadha.
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“The current England squad has a great energy, and I wish them the best of luck in the upcoming series again India. But India also has a great squad so I’m sure it will be a fantastic moment for the game and fans whomever you support! I’ll be there watching, and I hope a lot of other fans will be too!”
The trailer references the shirt-waving drama between Andrew Flintoff and Sourav Ganguy and pays homage to some iconic moments in Bend it like Beckham.
England Women’s captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said: “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, so the film trailer is really the perfect way of showing what it’s all about, unlimited drama and lots of action. 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,” she added.



