
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh is set to receive one of Bengal’s highest cricketing honours on November 8 at the iconic Eden Gardens, as the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) celebrates her instrumental role in India’s victorious 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly will present Ghosh with a gold bat and ball in a special ceremony recognising her performance and the pride she brought to Bengal cricket.
Ghosh, 22, emerged as one of India’s most impactful players during the 2025 World Cup, combining her aggressive batting with reliable wicketkeeping throughout the tournament. Her blistering 78* in the semifinal against Australia and calm glovework in the final were pivotal to India lifting the trophy for the first time in history. The CAB’s decision to honour her underscores the state’s growing recognition of women’s cricket and the contributions of players who have risen through its domestic ranks.
Sourav Ganguly, who remains one of Bengal’s most influential cricketing figures, will personally felicitate Ghosh in the ceremony expected to be attended by former players, current Bengal cricketers, and state officials. CAB President Snehasish Ganguly said in a statement that Richa’s “achievement marks a defining moment for Bengal cricket,” adding that the association hopes her success will inspire more young girls to take up the game.
Eden Gardens is preparing for a full-scale public event, with the honour to be followed by an exhibition women’s match featuring local talent from Bengal’s senior and U-23 teams. The CAB has also planned to introduce an annual “Richa Ghosh Award” for emerging female cricketers as part of its long-term commitment to promoting women’s cricket.
Richa’s journey has been emblematic of the growing professionalism and ambition within Indian women’s cricket. Having made her international debut in 2020, she has become one of India’s key limited-overs finishers and a cornerstone in multi-format squads. Her composure under pressure, aggressive stroke play, and improved keeping skills have earned praise from teammates and legends alike.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ghosh said she felt “deeply grateful and proud” to be honoured in her home state, crediting Bengal cricket for her development. “Eden Gardens has always been special to me. To be recognised here, and that too by Sourav sir, means a lot,” she said.
The felicitation also reflects a broader shift in Indian cricket circles, where women players are finally receiving recognition on par with their male counterparts. The CAB’s gesture is expected to set an example for other state associations to publicly celebrate female cricketers’ achievements beyond national team honours.
As Ghosh walks out onto Eden Gardens to accept the gold bat and ball, it will mark not just a personal milestone but also a symbolic victory for women’s cricket in India — one built on years of perseverance, progress, and growing pride in the women’s game.
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