Receiving only a pension of ₹1,500 (equivalent to ₹20,000 or US$240 in 2023) for his former army job, Bisht's father opened a tea stall in Almora to supplement the family's income and support his daughter's cricketing career.

The family's finances improved after Ekta was selected for the national team in 2011, and began receiving funding from sponsors.

She had been mentored by Liyakat Ali in her early years, who coached Uttaranchal Women's Cricket Association team from 2003 to 2006.

[7] Bisht was selected for the India women's national cricket team in 2011, and made her WODI debut on 2 July 2011 against Australia.

On 3 October 2012, Bisht took a hat-trick as India outplayed during the match of the ICC World Women Twenty20 played in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

[23] In January 2022, she was named as one of three reserve players in India's team for the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.

[24] In December 2023, she was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Women's Premier League auction, for the 2024 season.