To commemorate their contribution to women’s cricket in India, the Andhra Cricket Association is all set to name two stands at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium after Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana. The Hon’ble Minister for Andhra Pradesh Nara Lokesh confirmed the development. The stand will be officially opened on October 12, prior to the match of the Women’s World Cup 2025, between India and Australia.
The occasion would witness Mithali Raj being honoured in a befitting manner due to her unmatched achievement, being one of the pioneer figures in Indian women’s cricket. Mithali, having debuted with the national team in 2004 and continuing her career until 2022, is still the highest run-scorer in all formats of international women’s cricket. Like her, that kind of recognition is required for the Andhra-born wicket-keeper batswoman, Ravi Kalpana.
Till date, only from that one grand venue, Eden Gardens, the stand was named after a female cricketer, as ever, with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) naming it for a former Indian teammate, Jhulan Goswami. In January 2025, the CAB inaugurated the stand in recognition of her illustrious career and her contribution to the development of women’s cricket.
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What’s noteworthy is that the seed of the idea was sown after a conversation between the Indian star batter Smriti Mandhana and the AP minister Nara Lokesh. Mandhana, during the ‘Breaking Boundaries’ event in August, stressed the need to recognise the legendary women cricketers for their role in fostering the sport in India. She noted that while there are stands named after male cricketers in several stadiums across the country, there is none for any female!
That suggestion from Mandhana was a catalyst; Mr Lokesh took this idea forward with the authorities, who acted immediately.
“Smriti Mandhana’s considerate suggestion echoed an even wider public sentiment. Turning that idea into swift action is a reflection of our collective commitment to gender parity and to recognising the pioneers of women’s cricket,” Lokesh was quoted by the Indian Express.
Indian Ladies, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, are gearing up to face the most significant challenge of this ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, which will see the Women in Blue clash against their defending champions, Australia, in Vizag on October 12 at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium.
This clash gains more prominence with the giants of this tournament, India, now looking to finally overcome their greatest hurdle while duly honouring their stars.
