The Andhra Cricket Association will dedicate two stands at the ACA-VDCA Vizag cricket stadium to Indian women cricketers Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana on Oct. 12 before the India vs Australia ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match. The association accelerated its decision after star batter Smriti Mandhana requested the honor at a Breaking Boundaries fireside chat with Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh in August 2025. Mandhana emphasized the lack of stadium stands recognizing prominent Indian women cricketers.
Minister Nara Lokesh consulted the Andhra Cricket Association immediately after Mandhana's appeal, and officials agreed to name stands after women's cricket icons at the Vizag venue. The inauguration represents the first tribute of its kind to women cricketers at the stadium. Mithali Raj served as India's captain and remains one of cricket's most accomplished batters. Ravi Kalpana, an Andhra-born wicketkeeper-batter, progressed from the state system to the India squad.
Minister Nara Lokesh consulted the Andhra Cricket Association immediately after Mandhana's appeal, and officials agreed to name stands after women's cricket icons at the Vizag venue. The inauguration represents the first tribute of its kind to women cricketers at the stadium. Mithali Raj served as India's captain and remains one of cricket's most accomplished batters. Ravi Kalpana, an Andhra-born wicketkeeper-batter, progressed from the state system to the India squad.
