Eden Gardens made history as the first cricket stadium in India to name a stand after a woman cricketer, Jhulan Goswami. Now, Vizag is following suit. The ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam will name two of its stands after Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana, marking another proud step toward recognizing the impact of women in Indian cricket.
Honoring Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana: A New Milestone for Women’s Cricket
The move celebrates two significant figures: Mithali Raj, India's all-time leading run-scorer and a former captain who redefined women's cricket in the country, and Ravi Kalpana, a homegrown talent from Andhra who represented India as a wicketkeeper-batter. Their contributions have not only uplifted the game but also inspired a generation of young cricketers.
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This recognition also stems from Smriti Mandhana’s powerful nudge during the 'Breaking Boundaries' event in August. Speaking with Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh, Mandhana highlighted how stadiums often bear the names of male cricket legends, while equally deserving women players remain overlooked.
“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,” Lokesh said as per the Indian Express.
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India vs Australia: A High-Stakes Clash in the Women’s World Cup
India vs Australia clash in the Women’s World Cup 2025 is always going to be a blockbuster; both teams have been unbeaten so far and are seen as the top contenders in the tournament. Their recent three-match W-ODI series was tightly fought, making this face-off even more anticipated.
The ACA-VDCA Stadium is hosting five matches in the ongoing Women’s World Cup, including India’s game against South Africa on October 9 and this big one against Australia on October 12.
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