“When I started as a little girl, I only dreamed of playing for India. I never imagined one day a stand would bear my name. I am deeply moved and thankful to the Andhra Government and Minister Lokesh ji for this honour.”Mithali Raj

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) on Sunday inaugurated the Mithali Raj Stand and the Raavi Kalpana Gate at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, honouring two icons of women’s cricket who have inspired generations across India.

The dedication ceremony was led by Andhra Pradesh IT, Electronics, RTG and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, in the presence of ICC Chairman Jay Shah and ACA President Kesineni Sivanath, along with senior dignitaries from the BCCI, Cricket Australia, and international cricket boards.

The initiative was born out of a round table on gender representation in sports held in August 2025, during which Smriti Mandana Indian Women Team captain appealed to political leaders to name stadium stands after women cricketers. Within weeks, Andhra Pradesh became the first state to translate that call into reality, a move widely hailed as a progressive step toward inclusivity in Indian sport.

Mithali Raj, India’s highest run-scorer in women’s internationals with 10,868 runs across formats, was celebrated for her 23-year career that redefined women’s cricket. A handcrafted silver cricket ball bearing the ACA emblem was presented to her as a token of honour.

Nara Lokesh, addressing the gathering, said, “Mithali Raj is not just a name but an institution in Indian cricket. She has been a trailblazer and a role model for millions of young girls who dream of donning the India colours. It is a matter of immense pride that a stand at the Vizag stadium will forever bear her name. I hope to see hundreds of Mithalis emerge from Andhra Pradesh in the years ahead.”

ICC Chairman Jay Shah lauded the gesture, saying, “This is a visionary step by the Andhra Government and the ACA. Mithali Raj’s journey has inspired countless cricketers, and this tribute will encourage many more girls to take up the sport.”

ACA President Kesineni Sivanath said the Association was proud to lead by example, “Being the first to name a stand after a woman cricketer is historic. It’s a celebration of Mithali’s contribution and the growing strength of women’s cricket in Andhra and India.”

An emotional Mithali Raj said, “When I started as a little girl, I only dreamed of playing for India. I never imagined one day a stand would bear my name. I am deeply moved and thankful to the Andhra Government and Minister Lokesh ji for this honour. I also congratulate Kalpana for this recognition, she truly represents the spirit of Andhra’s young women cricketers.”

Raavi Kalpana, who has represented India as a wicketkeeper-batter, said the recognition was a dream come true. “Being honoured alongside my skipper Mithali is beyond imagination. Andhra has produced talented players like Arundhati Reddy and S. Meghana, I’m sure many more girls will make the state proud,” she said.