ACA to unveil stands in the name of Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana at the Visakhapatnam stadium on 12th October after Smriti Mandhana's request

Mithali Raj is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket.

The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) is all set to unveil two stands named after former Indian women cricketers Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana at the Dr. YSRR ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam on October 12. The stand will be named on the same day when India will take on Australia in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 at the same venue. 

The stands being named after Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana at the stadium will be the first to be named after women cricketers. This came after India batter Smriti Mandhana requested Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh to name a stand after Mithali during the ‘Breaking Boundaries’ programme in August.

Mandhana made a bold remark, saying that if stands are being named after women cricketers then it will inspire the next generation to choose cricket as a profession. Acting immediately on her request, Lokesh had conversations with the ACA. 

Following discussions, it was decided that stands will be named after Mithali Raj, who is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, and Kalpana, an Andhra-born wicket-keeper batter, at the Dr. YSRR ACA-VDCA Stadium.

Smriti Mandhana’s thoughtful suggestion captured a wider public sentiment – Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh

Talking about the same, Lokesh said:  “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.”

This will be a huge step in the history of women’s cricket. This no doubt will inspire a lot of young cricketers are women’s cricket in India continues to grow. The ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India is also helping the cause as the crowd has come in numbers to witness the games.

Indian women have shown great form with the bat and ball in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. They are at the top of the points table, having won two out of their two games. They will be next seen in action when they take on South Africa next on Thursday (9th October). 

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