In a historic tribute to Indian women’s cricket, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has announced that two stands at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam will be named after former India captain Mithali Raj and wicketkeeper-batter Ravi Kalpana. The unveiling is scheduled for October 12, 2025, coinciding with India’s Women’s World Cup match against Australia, highlighting the occasion with both cricketing excellence and symbolic recognition.
Mithali Raj, widely regarded as one of the greatest female cricketers, led India to two Women’s ODI World Cup finals and holds records as the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs. Her batting consistency, leadership, and dedication have inspired countless young cricketers across the country. Raj’s legacy is not limited to numbers; she has been a beacon of professionalism, mentorship, and perseverance in Indian cricket.
Ravi Kalpana, known for her sharp wicketkeeping skills and reliable batting, has played a crucial role in many of India’s successes over the years. Her contributions in the middle order and behind the stumps have often been pivotal, earning her respect as one of the team’s most dependable performers. Naming a stand after Kalpana not only honors her achievements but also highlights the importance of unsung heroes in cricket who provide balance and stability to the team.
The initiative to recognize Raj and Kalpana through stadium stands was inspired by Indian opener Smriti Mandhana, who suggested the idea during a “Breaking the Boundaries” event earlier in 2025. The proposal was enthusiastically supported by Andhra Pradesh authorities and the ACA, signaling a commitment to celebrate women’s cricket and preserve the legacies of trailblazers who have shaped the game in India.
The unveiling ceremony will precede India’s World Cup clash, turning the event into a celebration of both contemporary cricketing talent and historical achievements. The Mithali Raj Stand and Ravi Kalpana Stand will serve as lasting reminders for players and fans alike of the standards set by these cricketers, offering inspiration to future generations of female athletes.
This move by the ACA is significant in the context of women’s cricket, which has been steadily gaining prominence in India and worldwide. Honoring former players through stadium dedications is a powerful gesture that bridges the past and present, encouraging young girls to aspire to excellence on the field. It emphasizes the value of legacy, mentorship, and recognition in building a sustainable future for women’s cricket.
By immortalizing Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana within the stadium, the ACA ensures that their contributions remain visible and celebrated. The gesture underscores the growing respect and acknowledgment for women cricketers and sets a precedent for other cricket associations to honor the sport’s pioneers. This recognition is more than symbolic; it is a step toward embedding the achievements of women cricketers into the cultural and institutional fabric of Indian cricket.
The dedication of these stands at the ACA-VDCA Stadium marks a historic milestone in Indian cricket, honoring the past while inspiring the next generation of women cricketers to dream bigger, work harder, and contribute meaningfully to the sport’s ongoing evolution.
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