Did Mithali Raj Stand and Raavi Kalpana Gate Just Get Unveiled at ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The unveiling of the Mithali Raj Stand and Raavi Kalpana Gate at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam is a monumental tribute to women's cricket. This initiative not only honors their legacy but also aims to inspire future generations of female cricketers.
Key Takeaways
- Mithali Raj honored with a dedicated stand at ACA-VDCA Stadium.
- Raavi Kalpana recognized with a gate in her name.
- Event attended by prominent figures in cricket.
- Initiative aimed at inspiring future female cricketers.
- Continues to build recognition for women's contributions in sports.
Visakhapatnam, Oct 12 (NationPress) The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has officially unveiled a new stand dedicated to Mithali Raj, the former captain of the Indian women's cricket team, alongside a gate named in tribute to Raavi Kalpana, a former wicketkeeper. This ceremony took place at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, celebrating the remarkable contributions of these two icons to Indian women's cricket.
The unveiling occurred just prior to the toss for India's ODI World Cup match against Australia. Dignitaries including ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCCI President Mithun Manhas, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh, ACA president and Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath, and Mithali Raj herself were in attendance, marking the significance of the occasion.
The decision to honor Mithali Raj with a stand and Raavi Kalpana with a gate was made by the Andhra Cricket Association last week.
This initiative followed a request from star batter Smriti Mandhana during the “Breaking Boundaries” discussion with Minister Nara Lokesh in August 2025, where she pointed out the lack of stadium stands named after prominent women cricketers, particularly in Visakhapatnam.
Mandhana emphasized that renaming such stands would serve to recognize the contributions of women cricketers and inspire future generations to pursue cricket professionally.
In response to Mandhana’s appeal, Minister Nara Lokesh promptly engaged with the Andhra Cricket Association, leading to a swift decision to honor these women's cricket legends at the Vizag venue.
The Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium already features stands named after former Indian stars MSK Prasad and Venugopal Rao.
Mithali Raj, a titan in women's cricket, holds the record for the most runs scored in women's ODIs, amassing 7805 runs from 232 ODIs at an impressive average of 50.68 with seven centuries.
In addition, she scored 2364 runs in 89 T20Is with 17 fifties at an average of 37.52, and in 12 Tests, she accumulated 699 runs in 19 innings at an average of 43.68, holding the record for the highest score of 214 by an Indian batter in this format. Mithali retired from all forms of the game in 2022, concluding a remarkable 23-year career.
Raavi Kalpana, having played seven ODIs between 2015 and 2016, has inspired many cricketers from her region, including Arundhati Reddy, S Meghana, and N Shree Charani.
Point of View
The recognition of Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana at the ACA-VDCA Stadium highlights the growing acknowledgment of women's contributions to cricket. This move is not only a celebration of their achievements but also an encouragement for future generations to engage with the sport, ensuring that women's cricket continues to thrive in India.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Mithali Raj Stand?
The Mithali Raj Stand serves as a tribute to her immense contributions to Indian women's cricket, recognizing her as a role model for aspiring female cricketers.
Who was Raavi Kalpana?
Raavi Kalpana is a former Indian women's cricket team wicketkeeper who played seven ODIs and has inspired many young cricketers in her region.
When was the unveiling ceremony held?
The unveiling ceremony took place on October 12 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
Why was this initiative taken?
The initiative was taken to highlight the contributions of women cricketers and to inspire the next generation to pursue cricket professionally.
Who attended the unveiling ceremony?
Dignitaries including ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCCI officials, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh, and Mithali Raj herself were present at the ceremony.
