The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has announced that two stands at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam will be named in honour of former women’s cricketers Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana. The two trailblazers will be formally recognised during a ceremony on 12 October, ahead of the big-ticket Women’s World Cup clash between India and Australia.
“The ACA’s tribute to Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana reflects a deep commitment to honouring the trailblazers who have redefined women’s cricket in India while inspiring the next generation to dream bigger,” the ACA said in a statement.
This move follows a suggestion by Indian women’s team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who proposed the idea to Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh.
ACA officials stated that the proposal gained momentum after Mandhana raised the issue during the “Breaking Boundaries” fireside chat with Minister Lokesh in August 2025. The Indian opener pointed out the lack of stadium sections named after Indian women cricketers.
In response to Mandhana’s suggestion, Minister Nara Lokesh promptly engaged with the Andhra Cricket Association, resulting in a quick decision to honour the women’s cricket legends by naming stands after them at the Vizag stadium.
“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,” said Mr Lokesh.
Prior to their clash with Australia, India will take on South Africa at the same venue on 9 October. After these two games, the ACA-VDCA Stadium is scheduled to host three additional World Cup matches.
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