Mithali Raj Honored with Stand Naming at Vizag Stadium Following Mandhana's Initiative

Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana will be honoured with stands named after them at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on October 12, just ahead of India’s Women's World Cup match against Australia. The initiative acknowledges the significant contributions of both cricketers to women's cricket and comes as a prominent gesture from the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), following a public suggestion by India opener Smriti Mandhana during a “Breaking the Boundaries” fireside chat with Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh in August.

The gesture is part of a broader movement to recognise female athletes who have shaped the trajectory of Indian cricket and inspired future generations. The ACA has described the naming of these stands as a tribute to those who have redefined the sport in India by breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks. The formal ceremony is scheduled to take place before the high-profile encounter between India and Australia, ensuring the occasion receives widespread attention.

Mithali Raj’s career is marked by a series of remarkable achievements. She retired in 2022 after scoring 7,805 runs in 232 ODIs at an average of 50.68, which included seven centuries. In addition, she accumulated 2,364 runs with 17 fifties in 89 T20Is and 699 runs in 12 Tests at an average of 43.68. Raj’s consistency and longevity at the highest level have made her a role model for aspiring cricketers across India.

Ravi Kalpana, though with a relatively shorter international career of seven ODIs between 2015 and 2016, has emerged as an influential figure in Andhra Pradesh cricket. Kalpana's journey has been instrumental in inspiring other regional talents such as Arundhati Reddy, S Meghana, and N Sri Charani. Her rise to the national team has encouraged many young women from the region to take up the sport seriously.

The involvement of Smriti Mandhana was central to this recognition. It was her suggestion during the “Breaking the Boundaries” event that prompted the ACA and Minister Nara Lokesh to take action.

"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," Lokesh said.

Mithali Raj, who is part of the broadcast team for the Women’s World Cup, will be at the venue on Sunday when India take on Australia. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side have started their World Cup campaign with two wins — against Sri Lanka and Pakistan — and will face an in-form South Africa in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.