• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Vizag Cricket Stadium Unveils Brand New Mithali Raj Stand To Tribute India Legend

Vizag cricket stadium unveils brand new Mithali Raj stand to tribute India legend

Soumyajit Dutta

Mithali Raj was honoured with a stand in Vizag [Source: AFP]Mithali Raj was honoured with a stand in Vizag [Source: AFP]

The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) have finally unveiled the Mithali Raj stand and Ravi Kalpana Gate ahead of the India Women vs Australia Women ICC Women's World Cup match on October 12. This marks a huge achievement for the legendary female cricketers as they get their names etched in the ACA-VDCA cricket stadium.

Notably, ICC chairman Jay Shah attended the inauguration event to felicitate the ex-cricketers with a stand and a gate.

Smriti Mandhana is the brain behind the Mithali Raj stand

Most of the credit for the gate and the stand goes to the suggestion given by India opener Smriti Mandhana to Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh during their conversation back in August, where she proposed that the pioneers of India women's cricket should be recognized in a better way. 

In a statement, the ACA had said, “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."

“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," Minister Lokesh said.

Mithali Raj was one of the greatest figures in women's cricket and is also India's highest run-scorer in ODIs, with 7,805 runs in 232 matches. Ravi Kalpana, who played seven ODIs, is noted for being the first woman from Andhra Pradesh to represent India. Her journey is an inspiration that has been acknowledged by the ACA-VDCA Stadium.

Nevertheless, India Women are continuing their Women's World Cup parade on a decent note with 2 wins from 3 matches and is currently sitting third on the points table, with England Women leading the charts with three straight wins from 3 matches.