In a remarkable tribute to two of Andhra Pradesh’s most accomplished women cricketers, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) on Sunday named a stand after Mithali Raj and a gate after Raavi Kalpana at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The inauguration took place just before India’s crucial Women’s ODI World Cup match against Australia.
The ceremony was graced by ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who lauded the gesture, saying, “Mithali Raj’s journey and achievements resonate across the cricketing world. Naming a stand after her is a befitting tribute to her legacy and will inspire countless young girls to take up the sport.”
The inauguration was conducted by Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT, Electronics, RTG, and HRD Nara Lokesh, in the presence of Jay Shah, ACA President Kesineni Sivanath, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, Cricket Australia Chairman Mike Baird, CEO Todd Greenberg, and BCCI dignitaries including President Mithun Manhas and Secretary Devajit Saikia.
Mithali Raj, India’s most celebrated woman cricketer and the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket with 10,868 runs, was honoured with a handcrafted silver cricket ball by the Minister. Expressing her gratitude, Mithali said, “It’s a true honour to have a stand named after me in Vizag. This city has played a crucial role in my cricketing journey. I thank the Andhra Government, ACA, and ICC for recognising women’s cricket and supporting its growth.”
Raavi Kalpana, overwhelmed by the recognition, said, “Being honoured alongside Mithali didi is a dream come true. Andhra has produced many talented players, and I’m confident more girls will make the country proud.”
The initiative underscores Andhra’s commitment to promoting women’s cricket and the growing recognition of women athletes in Indian sports.
