Visakhapatnam cricket stadium to inaugurate Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana stands ahead of India-Australia Women's World Cup match

Two stands at the ACA-VDCA Visakhapatnam Cricket Stadium will be named after legendary Indian women cricketers Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana. The inauguration ceremony will coincide with the India-Australia Women's World Cup match on October 12th.

The ACA will inaugurate the Mithali Raj Stand and the Ravi Kalpana Stand on October 12, ahead of the India-Australia match, marking a first-of-its-kind tribute to women cricketers at the stadium.

Also Read: 5 Highest Totals in Women’s ODI Cricket History

Mandhana requested for the stands

The decision was taken following a request from India's star batsman Smriti Mandhana at the 'Breaking Boundaries' event in August 2025 with Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh.

Acting on Smriti Mandhana's appeal, Minister Nara Lokesh immediately consulted the Andhra Cricket Association. As a result, it has been decided to honour the great personalities of women's cricket by naming the stands after them at the Visakhapatnam Stadium.

Mr. 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.”

Speaking of the ongoing World Cup, India have made a perfect start to the tournament, having beaten Sri Lanka and Pakistan in their opening two games. Australia started the World Cup with a resounding 89-run win over New Zealand, but their match against Sri Lanka in Colombo was washed out without the toss.

Also Read: 5 Highest Scores by a Batter in ICC Women’s World Cup

Mithali Raj's career in WODI

Mithali Raj is a former India captain and one of the game’s most accomplished batters. She is a pathbreaking figure who broadened the horizons for women’s cricket nationwide. Mithali ended her career as the highest run-getter in Women's ODIs, with 7,805 runs at 50.68. No player in the history of women's cricket has ever scored 6,000. 

Ravi Kalpana is an Andhra-born wicketkeeper-batter whose rise from the state system to the India side has galvanised local talent and strengthened the pathway for girls in cricket.