Table of Contents
- Historic Honour for Two Women’s Cricket Trailblazers
- Why Vizag? The Significance of the ACA-VDCA Stadium
- Mithali Raj: The Captain Who Redefined Indian Women’s Cricket
- Ravi Kalpana: The Unsung Hero Behind the Stumps
- Timed for Triumph: Inauguration Ahead of India vs Australia Showdown
- Sources
Historic Honour for Two Women’s Cricket Trailblazers
In a landmark move for women’s cricket in India, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has announced that two stands at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam (Vizag) will be named after Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana. The inauguration is set to take place just days before India’s crucial Women’s T20 World Cup match against Australia on October 12, 2025.
This gesture marks one of the first times in Indian cricket history that women players are being permanently honored with stadium infrastructure—a powerful symbol of recognition and equality in a sport long dominated by men.
Why Vizag? The Significance of the ACA-VDCA Stadium
The ACA-VDCA Stadium, nestled along the scenic Bay of Bengal, has hosted numerous international fixtures since its debut in 1999. But this October, it will make history of a different kind. By dedicating stands to Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana, the venue becomes a living monument to the rise of women’s cricket in India.
Local cricket officials say the decision reflects Andhra Pradesh’s deep ties to both players. Mithali, though born in Jodhpur, spent formative years training in the region, while Kalpana hails directly from Andhra Pradesh and has long been a local hero.
Mithali Raj: The Captain Who Redefined Indian Women’s Cricket
No discussion of Indian women’s cricket is complete without Mithali Raj. The former captain and ODI run-machine retired in 2023 after a glittering 23-year career. She remains the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs and led India to two World Cup finals (2005 and 2017).
Her calm demeanor, technical mastery, and leadership transformed how the nation viewed women in sport. “Naming a stand after Mithali isn’t just about her stats—it’s about the doors she opened,” said a senior BCCI official.
Ravi Kalpana: The Unsung Hero Behind the Stumps
While Mithali’s fame is global, Ravi Kalpana’s contributions have flown under the radar—but not for long. A wicketkeeper-batter who represented India in over 60 international matches across formats, Kalpana was known for her sharp glovework and gritty middle-order resilience.
Her inclusion in this honor is especially meaningful. “Kalpana represents the backbone of the team—the players who don’t always headline but hold everything together,” said former coach WV Raman.
Timed for Triumph: Inauguration Ahead of India vs Australia Showdown
The timing couldn’t be more symbolic. With India set to face tournament favorites Australia on October 12 at the very same venue, the stand dedications will serve as both inspiration and reminder: the current squad stands on the shoulders of pioneers.
Fans are expected to pack the stadium, many wearing jerseys bearing Mithali’s and Kalpana’s names. The BCCI and ACA plan to host a short ceremony before the match, featuring both honorees and members of the current Indian team.
For young girls watching from the stands—or from home—this moment sends a clear message: your heroes belong in the stadium, not just on posters.
Sources
Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana to have stands named after them in Vizag – ESPNcricinfo