India, Nov. 4 -- Long before India's women cricketers lifted their maiden World Cup trophy and became national icons, the team battled an era of invisibility, scarce funding, and logistical struggles. In those years, when women's cricket in India had no sponsors and little institutional backing, one unlikely champion quietly stepped up to help: Mandira Bedi.

Known to millions as an actor, television personality, and one of the first female faces of cricket broadcasting, Mandira played a role far greater than most realise - she became the unsaid sponsor of Indian women's cricket between 2003 and 2005. Using her influence, earnings, and connections, she helped raise funds that allowed the Indian women's team to travel and compete abroad at...