Alia Bhatt, Sharvari cheer Jemimah and Shafali ahead of T20 WC

MUMBAI: Bollywood rolled out the red carpet, but this time it led straight to the cricket pitch. As India gears up for another World Cup quest, messages of admiration arrived from the silver screen to the stadium lights. Ahead of India’s high-voltage clash against Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, Indian cricketers Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma received a boost from an unlikely dressing room, Bollywood.

Actors Alia Bhatt and Sharvari sent heartfelt messages to the two stars of India’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025-winning campaign, celebrating their performances and the wider impact they have had on women’s cricket.

Speaking to JioStar, Alia praised Jemimah’s match-winning innings against Australia in the World Cup semi-final, describing it as an effort that inspired countless young girls. Sharvari, meanwhile, highlighted the batter’s composure, recalling how Jemimah prioritised the team’s victory over personal milestones and celebrated only after India sealed the win.

The messages struck a chord with Jemimah, who said recognition from fellow women achievers carried special significance. Reflecting on the encouragement, she noted that inspiration works both ways and that success in any field can motivate others to pursue their own ambitions.

Shafali Verma was also in the spotlight. Alia looked back at the opener’s remarkable rise from a teenage prodigy to one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, praising the example she has set for aspiring young players.

Sharvari singled out Shafali’s performance in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final, describing it as one of the most inspiring displays she had witnessed and a reminder of the batter’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage.

The tribute left Shafali visibly touched. Calling Alia one of her favourite actors, she thanked both stars for their support and said the message was something she would always remember.

The exchange comes at a time when women’s cricket in India is enjoying unprecedented visibility and support. India’s historic World Cup triumph in 2025 helped elevate players such as Jemimah and Shafali into household names, while also fuelling growing interest in the women’s game.

Now, with another global title in sight, the team heads into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup carrying not just expectations, but also the backing of fans, celebrities and a sporting ecosystem that continues to rally behind its rise.

India begin their campaign against Pakistan on June 14, with the match set to be broadcast on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.