Vizag Stadium to Celebrate Women Cricket Icons Ahead of India-Australia Clash
In a first-of-its-kind tribute to women cricketers, the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam will soon feature the Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana stands. The inauguration, scheduled for October 12, comes just ahead of the high-stakes India-Australia Women’s Cricket World Cup match, signalling a landmark moment for women’s cricket in the city.
The move follows a suggestion by India star batter Smriti Mandhana during a “Breaking Boundaries” fireside chat in August 2025 with Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh. Mandhana pointed out the lack of stadium honours for leading women cricketers and emphasised that naming stands after legends would recognise their contributions while inspiring the next generation of female cricketers.
Acting on her recommendation, Minister Lokesh consulted the Andhra Cricket Association, which quickly approved the decision.
“Smriti Mandhana’s suggestion resonated widely. Turning it into action reflects our commitment to gender parity and to celebrating the pioneers of women’s cricket,” Lokesh said.
The initiative underlines the importance of visible recognition in sports venues, highlighting how such gestures can elevate awareness and encourage more women to take up cricket professionally. Fans attending the upcoming World Cup clash will witness not just a thrilling match, but also a historic moment in Indian women’s cricket.