In a historic move to honor the icons of Indian women’s cricket, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) will inaugurate stadium stands named after Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on October 12, ahead of the high-stakes India vs Australia Women’s World Cup match.
A Tribute to Legends: Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana
The decision comes as a tribute to two of Andhra Pradesh’s most celebrated women cricketers. Mithali Raj, the former Indian captain, is the all-time highest run-scorer in Women’s ODIs with an astounding 7,805 runs at an average of 50.68. Her contribution to Indian cricket is unmatched, with no other player in women’s ODI history having even crossed the 6,000-run mark.
Alongside her, Ravi Kalpana, who represented India in seven One-Day Internationals, will also be honored with a stand in her name. Kalpana, a wicketkeeper-batter from Andhra, is known for her contributions to the domestic circuit and for representing India on the international stage.
Smriti Mandhana’s Suggestion Spurs Action
The initiative was sparked by current India star Smriti Mandhana, who suggested to Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh that the stands be dedicated to these legends before the India-Australia clash. The minister welcomed the idea and quickly consulted the ACA, who acted promptly to make the tribute a reality.
“Smriti Mandhana’s thoughtful suggestion captured a wider public sentiment. Translating that idea into immediate action reflects our collective commitment to gender parity and to acknowledging the trailblazers of women’s cricket,” said Lokesh in a statement.
This landmark gesture not only celebrates the achievements of Indian women cricketers but also reinforces the message of recognizing and uplifting women’s sports at a broader level.
India and Australia Gear Up for Key World Cup Clash
The India vs Australia game on October 12 is expected to be one of the marquee clashes of the tournament. India have made a flying start, defeating both Sri Lanka and Pakistan in their opening matches. Australia, too, opened their campaign with a strong 89-run win over New Zealand, although their second match against Sri Lanka was washed out due to rain in Colombo.
With both teams eyeing the top spot and carrying strong momentum, the match in Visakhapatnam promises high-octane action—and the inauguration of the new stands adds an emotional and historic dimension to an already exciting fixture.
