Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana Honored at Visakhapatnam Stadium

In a significant recognition for women's cricket in India, former captain Mithali Raj and wicketkeeper-batter Raavi Kalpana will have stands named after them at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on October 12. This event coincides with India's ODI World Cup match against Australia, making it a momentous occasion not just for the players but for the entire cricketing community.

The initiative to honor these trailblazers was sparked by current vice-captain Smriti Mandhana during a fireside chat with Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh at a "Breaking Boundaries" event in August 2025. Mandhana highlighted the absence of stands named after women cricketers, prompting Lokesh to take action and engage with the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) officials.

Lokesh stated, "Smriti Mandhana’s thoughtful suggestion captured a wider public sentiment. Translating that idea into immediate action reflects our collective commitment to gender parity and acknowledging the trailblazers of women’s cricket." This initiative is a testament to the growing recognition of women's contributions to cricket in India.

Mithali Raj, known as one of the greatest ODI batters in history, has an impressive record of 7805 runs in 232 matches at an average of 50.68. Over her 23-year career, she led the Indian team to two World Cup runner-up finishes in 2005 and 2017. After retiring from all forms of cricket in 2022, Raj has taken on a role as a broadcaster and was appointed as a mentor for Andhra's women’s cricket team in November 2024.

Raavi Kalpana, who played for India in seven ODIs from 2015 to 2016, is another key figure in women's cricket. Her contributions, though fewer in number, have been significant in inspiring young cricketers. Both Raj and Kalpana serve as role models, showing that dedication and hard work can lead to success.

This initiative to name stands after these remarkable women not only honors their achievements but also serves as a source of inspiration for future generations of female cricketers. It marks a step towards greater gender equality in sports, encouraging young girls across India to pursue their dreams in cricket and beyond.