Cricket Icons Mithali Raj, Kalpana Honored at Vizag Stadium
Vizag's ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium makes history by dedicating permanent spaces to women cricket icons Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana, marking a significant step in preserving cricket heritage.
Cricket legends Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana honored at historic Vizag Stadium dedication ceremony
Traditional Recognition Marks Historic Moment in Women's Cricket
In a landmark ceremony celebrating traditional cultural heritage and sporting excellence, the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam paid tribute to two remarkable women cricketers, Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana, through permanent dedications.
Distinguished Recognition for Cricket Legends
Mithali Raj, India's highest scorer in women's internationals with 10,868 runs across a 23-year career, received a handcrafted silver cricket ball bearing the ACA emblem. The gesture, much like other cultural preservation efforts, ensures her legacy will inspire future generations.
"As a little girl, I only dreamt of playing for India. I never imagined girls would look up to me. This honour is overwhelming," stated Mithali during the ceremony.
Preserving Cricket's Heritage
The event, attended by prominent cricket administrators including ICC chairman Jay Shah and Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird, demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving national sporting heritage.
Key Achievements Recognized:
- Dedication of a stadium stand to Mithali Raj
- Stadium gate named in honour of Raavi Kalpana
- Recognition of Andhra Pradesh's contribution to women's cricket
ACA President Sivanath emphasized the association's pride in being the first to permanently honor women cricketers, setting a precedent for traditional sporting institutions nationwide.
Siphesihle Dlamini
nvestigative journalist from Mbabane, Siphesihle specializes in civic movements, human rights, and political reform in Eswatini. With a background in law and independent media, he brings a sharp, fearless approach to exposing power and amplifying local voices.