Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana Immortalized with Stands at Iconic Cricket Stadium

As India and Australia prepare to face off in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on October 12, 2025, the Andhra Cricket Association has paid a special tribute to two trailblazers of women's cricket in India.

The ACA has officially named stands after former India captain Mithali Raj and wicketkeeper-batter Ravi Kalpana, who were felicitated in a ceremony attended by ICC chairman Jay Shah. This decision follows a suggestion made by India opener Smriti Mandhana to Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh back in August, where she proposed that pioneers of women's cricket should be recognized in a significant way.

Mithali Raj, one of the greatest figures in women's cricket, retired in 2022 after a remarkable 23-year international career that saw her become India's highest run-scorer in ODIs with 7,805 runs. Ravi Kalpana, on the other hand, was the first woman from Andhra Pradesh to represent India, debuting against New Zealand in 2015.

The ACA's tribute to these two trailblazers reflects a deep commitment to honoring the individuals who have redefined women's cricket in India and inspired the next generation to dream bigger. As the world's top teams clash in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, the stands named after Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana will serve as a lasting legacy to their contributions to the sport.