Howzat! ACA to name two stands at VDCA Cricket Stadium, Vizag, after Mithali Raj, Raavi Kalpana
ACA to name two stands at VDCA Cricket Stadium after women cricketers Mithali Raj, Raavi Kalpana
By - Sri Lakshmi Muttevi
Visakhapatnam: Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) is set to name two stands in the VDCA Vizag Cricket Stadium after legendary women cricketers, Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana, on October 12, 2025.
The renaming of the stand will be unveiled on the day when India takes on Australia during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Visakhapatnam.
The decision follows Smriti Mandhana’s request to Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh during the `Breaking Boundaries’ programme in August 2025
She mentioned that the renaming of stands would honor the women cricketers. She said it would also inspire the next generation of women to enter cricket as a profession.
Acting on Mandhana’s appeal, Lokesh consulted the Andhra Cricket Association, leading to a prompt resolution to honor women’s cricket icons by naming stands after them at the Vizag venue.
The ACA will inaugurate the Mithali Raj Stand and the Raavi Kalpana Stand on October 12, 2025, ahead of the India–Australia match, marking a first-of-its-kind tribute to women cricketers at the stadium.
Minister Nara 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.”
Smriti Mandhana’s intervention at “Breaking Boundaries”, where leading cricketers discussed the stereotypes and barriers women face in sport, underscored how visible honors in major venues can elevate awareness and inspire participation across India.
Honorees:
Mithali Raj - Former India captain and one of the game’s most accomplished batters, a pathbreaking figure who broadened the horizons for women’s cricket nationwide.
Raavi Kalpana - Andhra-born wicketkeeper-batter whose rise from the state system to the India side has galvanized local talent and strengthened the pathway for girls in cricket.
Matchday details:
Fixture: India vs Australia, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
Date: October 12, 2025
Venue: ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
