Visakhapatnam cricket stadium to have Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana stands

Ahead of the high-voltage India-Australia Women Cricket World Cup match, the Andhra Cricket Association will inaugurate the Mithali Raj Stand and the Raavi Kalpana stand at the ACA-VDCA Cricket stadium in Visakhapatnam on October 12. This is said to be the marking a first-of-its-kind tribute to women cricketers at the stadium.

The decision was taken after Indian women cricketer Smriti Mandhana had suggested to AP IT Minister Nara Lokesh to name two stands at the Vizag cricket stadium after Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana.

As per ACA officials, the decision was fast-tracked following the star batter Smriti Mandhana’s request during the “Breaking Boundaries” fireside chat in August 2025 with Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh, where she highlighted the absence of stadium stands named after leading Indian women cricketers, including at Vizag. She mentioned that renaming of such stands would honour the contribution of women cricketers, while also spotlighting their contributions to the game. It would also inspire the next generation of women to enter cricket as a profession.

Acting on Mandhana’s appeal, Minister Nara Lokesh immediately consulted the Andhra Cricket Association, leading to a prompt resolution to honour women’s cricket icons by naming stands after them at the Vizag venue.

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.”

Smriti Mandhana’s intervention at “Breaking Boundaries”, where leading cricketers discussed the stereotypes and barriers women face in sport, underscored how visible honours in major venues can elevate awareness and inspire participation across India.