In a glittering tribute to her explosive performance at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh is set to receive a gold-plated bat and ball from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). The felicitation ceremony will take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata—a moment that promises to inspire thousands of young girls dreaming of cricketing glory .
Table of Contents
- Richa Ghosh’s World Cup Breakout
- What the Gold-Plated Bat & Ball Symbolize
- CAB’s Commitment to Women’s Cricket
- Inspiring the Next Generation
Richa Ghosh Shines on the Global Stage
Richa Ghosh’s name echoed through stadiums during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025—not just for her lightning-fast stumpings, but for her match-turning cameos with the bat. Scoring 235 runs at a tournament-high strike rate of 142.4, she emerged as India’s most impactful lower-order batter .
Her blistering 67 off just 38 balls against Australia in the semifinal nearly pulled off a miracle chase and earned her widespread praise from legends like Jhulan Goswami and Anjum Chopra. While India fell short in the final, Richa’s fearless approach redefined expectations for finishers in women’s cricket.
Gold-Plated Bat: A Rare and Prestigious Honor
The Cricket Association of Bengal’s decision to honor Richa with a gold-plated bat and ball is more than ceremonial—it’s historic. Such honors are typically reserved for landmark achievements, and this marks one of the first times a female cricketer from Bengal has received this level of recognition at Eden Gardens.
The bat, custom-crafted by a local artisan, will feature Richa’s name, jersey number (17), and the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 logo. The presentation is scheduled for November 12, 2025, ahead of the men’s India vs South Africa Test match, ensuring maximum visibility and fanfare.
CAB Steps Up for Women’s Cricket
This gesture signals CAB’s serious investment in elevating women’s cricket in the region. President Snehasish Ganguly emphasized, “Richa represents the new face of Indian cricket—bold, skilled, and unapologetically aggressive. We want every girl in Bengal to see her and believe they can stand on that same stage.”
The association has also announced plans to launch a statewide U-16 girls’ talent hunt, with Richa Ghosh serving as its brand ambassador. This initiative could uncover the next generation of stars from Bengal’s grassroots.
A Beacon for Young Aspiring Cricketers
For countless young girls in towns like Siliguri, Durgapur, and Howrah—who often train on uneven grounds with borrowed gear—Richa’s story is a lifeline of hope. At just 21, she’s already broken barriers: from being the youngest Indian to score an ODI fifty to now owning one of the most electrifying strike rates in World Cup history.
Social media has been flooded with videos of schoolgirls imitating her signature scoop shot and celebratory fist pumps. Teachers report a surge in enrollment for school cricket programs—a direct ripple effect of her World Cup heroics.
More Than Metal: A Symbol of Change
The gold-plated bat isn’t just about luxury; it’s a statement. It tells young athletes that excellence in women’s sport is seen, celebrated, and worthy of the same grandeur as men’s achievements. In a country where women’s cricket has long played second fiddle, moments like this are turning points.
As Richa Ghosh prepares to return to international duty in the upcoming T20I series against England, all eyes will be on how she carries this momentum forward. One thing’s certain: her legacy is already being etched—not just in scorecards, but in the dreams of a generation.