The inauguration ceremony of the stand and gate was held on Sunday, just before the start of India's crucial Women's ODI World Cup match against Australia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking on the occasion, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said, \u201cI congratulate the Andhra Government and ACA for this commendable gesture. Mithali Raj\u2019s journey and her achievements resonate across the cricketing world, so naming a stand after her is a befitting tribute to her legacy. I am also confident that this gesture will galvanise support for women\u2019s Cricket in the region, inspire more young girls to take up the sport, and motivate emerging Cricketers to strive for higher levels of excellence,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The inauguration was carried out by Minister for IT, Electronics, RTG, and HRD (Andhra Pradesh), Nara Lokesh, in the presence of ICC Chairman Jay Shah, ACA President Kesineni Sivanath, and several dignitaries from the cricketing fraternity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The momentous occasion was also graced by ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, Cricket Australia Chairman Mike Baird, and CEO Todd Greenberg. In addition, BCCI President Mithun Manhas, Secretary Devajit Saikia, and Joint Secretary Prabhtej Bhatia were among those present.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mithali Raj, India\u2019s most celebrated woman cricketer, is the leading run-getter in women\u2019s international cricket with 10,868 runs across formats, including seven centuries and 85 fifties. Having made her international debut in 1999, Mithali led India to two ODI World Cup finals and remains the only Indian woman to have captained the national side in more than 150 ODIs. Her illustrious career, spanning 23 years, is a testament to her excellence, consistency, and trailblazing role in shaping women\u2019s cricket in India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Minister presented Mithali with a limited edition Handcrafted Silver Cricket Ball embossed with the ACA logo.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Unveiling the Mithali Raj Stand and Raavi Kalpana Gate, Nara Lokesh said, \u201cMithali Raj is not just a name but an institution in Indian cricket. She has been a true trailblazer and a role model for millions of young girls who dream of donning the Indian colours. It is a matter of immense pride for Andhra Pradesh that a stand at the ACA\u2013VDCA Stadium will forever bear her name. The Andhra Government has stood true to its commitment of honouring one of the greatest cricketers our country has ever produced. I would like to see hundreds of Mithalis emerge from our state and serve the nation with the same dedication and distinction that she has shown for 23 years.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A stand in the name of Mithali at the ACA\u2013VDCA Stadium is testimony to the global growth of the game as well as how women\u2019s cricket has taken over in India. The advent of the Women\u2019s Premier League (WPL) and equal match fees for men\u2019s and women\u2019s senior national teams have made the game a financially viable profession. The ICC has also been taking strides toward pay parity, and the ongoing edition boasts a higher prize money pool compared to the 2023 men\u2019s 50-over World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Responding to the honour, Mithali Raj said, \u201cIt is a true honour and privilege to have a stand named after me at Vizag. My heartfelt gratitude to the Andhra Government, the Andhra Cricket Association, and its office bearers for bestowing this recognition upon me.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A stand in the name of Mithali at the ACA\u2013VDCA Stadium is testimony to the global growth of the game as well as how women\u2019s cricket has taken over in India. The advent of the Women\u2019s Premier League (WPL) and equal match fees for men\u2019s and women\u2019s senior national teams have made the game a financially viable profession. The ICC has also been taking strides toward pay parity, and the ongoing edition boasts a higher prize money pool compared to the 2023 men\u2019s 50-over World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Expressing her gratitude, Raavi Kalpana said, \u201cThis is what dreams are made of. Getting honoured alongside my skipper, Mithali didi, is something I couldn\u2019t have thought of in my wildest imagination. I want to thank Hon\u2019ble Minister Nara Lokesh gaaru. Andhra has produced quality players, and in the coming days, I am sure many more girls from our state will make the country proud,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n