To commemorate the England Men’s, Women’s, and Men’s Mixed Disability series against India, the ECB commissioned the design and production of a unique special-edition scarf.
Developed in India and printed in England, the scarf was created to mark Gurinder Chadha’s blockbuster trailer for the England Women vs India Women series.
The short promotional film is Chadha’s first sports film since cultural football phenomenon Bend it Like Beckham. It celebrates the fierce rivalry but also the cultural unity between the two teams and their fans, as well as spotlighting the evolution of women’s cricket into the sporting spectacle it is today.
The artist behind the scarf design, Muktai Joshi, says her personal experiences as a post-graduate of the University of the Arts London and a leading commercial designer in Bangalore were central to her final vision.
“It’s about duality, unity, and movement,” says Muktai. “Each side of the scarf proudly carries national colours – rich reds and blues for England; vibrant oranges and greens for India – but there’s a deeper, shared visual language here. Both teams play in shades of blue and that became the connective thread. A symbol of respect, rivalry and shared history running through the centre of the scarf.”
A close inspection of the scarf reveals a series of subtle, symbolic cricket icons, including pavilion steps, stumps and a trophy.
“They’re quiet nods to the ritual and theatre of the sport,” she says. “Then, through the middle runs a linear motif referencing the pitch itself, with dynamic blocks to reflect momentum and the rhythm of play.”
She adds: “The tone is deliberately balanced – minimal yet expressive, traditional but with a contemporary edge. When it’s worn, the scarf brings the two sides together at the front, visually echoing the idea of a face-off. It’s as though the wearer carries the spirit of the match. Of both teams meeting not in opposition, but in celebration.
“That moment of visual unity mirrors the spirit of Gurinder Chadha's trailer: not conflict, but shared anticipation and pride.”
“It’s an honour to have the scarf gifted to esteemed guests including sports stars and celebrities. As a cricket fan and artist, I feel so privileged to have been involved in this project and can’t wait to watch the India v England series this month.”
Read more about Muktai's work here: https://www.muktaijoshi.com/major-project