India's legendary cricketers Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana made history ahead of the Women's ODI World Cup clash between India and Australia at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) had announced to name stands after former India captain Mithali and wicketkeeper-batter Ravi, which was officially unveiled on October 12 before Harmanpreet Kaur-led India's high-voltage clash against Australia.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah was there at the venue where Mithali and Ravi were felicitated with a stand and a gate, respectively.
Smriti Mandhana's suggestion
The decision came after a suggestion from stylish batter Smriti Mandhana to Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh during a chat back in August, where she proposed that pioneers of women’s cricket should be recognised in a significant 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 had been quoted as saying.
Mithali Raj's career
Mithali Raj is one of the legendary figures in Women's cricket and his the highest run-getter in ODIs with 7,805 runs in 232 matches at an average of 50.68, including seven centuries. She also scored 2,364 runs in T20Is with 17 fifties and 699 runs in Tests with a highest score of 214, still the best by an Indian in the format. Raj retired in 2022 after a remarkable 23-year international career that significantly shaped women’s cricket in India.
Ravi Kalpana's career
Ravi Kalpana, who played seven ODIs between 2015 and 2016, is noted for being the first woman from Andhra Pradesh to represent India. She made her debut against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Her journey has inspired regional cricketers such as Arundhati Reddy, S. Meghana, and N. Shree Charani.