The ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam will soon feature stands named after former India captain Mithali Raj and wicketkeeper-batter Ravi Kalpana. The unveiling is scheduled for October 12, ahead of India’s women’s ODI World Cup clash against Australia. The initiative comes as a tribute to the players’ contribution to Indian cricket and their role in inspiring emerging talent. The idea originated during the “Breaking the Boundaries” chat in August when India opener Smriti Mandhana suggested the gesture to Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh. The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) described the move as a commitment to honour the women’s cricket stalwarts in India inspiring the next generation . In an official letter released, ACA 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." Minister Lokesh added, "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. Read also: Tazmin Brits Creates History with Fifth ODI Century in 2025 Honouring careers and inspiring youth Mithali Raj, a stalwart of Indian women’s cricket, retired in 2022 after a 23-year career. She remains the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs, amassing 7805 runs in 232 matches at an average of 50.68, including seven centuries. In 89 T20Is, she scored 2364 runs with 17 fifties. In 12 Tests, she accumulated 699 runs at 43.68, with a highest score of 214. Ravi Kalpana, who played seven ODIs between 2015 and 2016, has inspired several cricketers from Andhra Pradesh, including Arundhati Reddy, S Meghana, and N Shree Charani. Both players’ achievements will now be permanently commemorated in the stadium, serving as a source of motivation for young athletes in the region and across India.