Ravi Kalpana Honoured by ACA: Says ‘It’s a Matter of Pride to Get Something Named After You’

Ravi Kalpana Honoured by ACA: For former India cricketer Ravi Kalpana, life has come full circle. Having her name etched into the concrete at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam is just as special to her as making her India debut in 2015.

Ahead of India’s Women’s ODI World Cup clash against Australia, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) decided to pay tribute to two of Andhra’s cricket icons — naming a stand after Mithali Raj and the gate next to that stand after Ravi Kalpana.

In an interview with The Hindu, an emotional Kalpana expressed her gratitude for the recognition.

“This is a big recognition. It’s a matter of pride to get something named after you, which will remain even if we are not there anymore. It was a dream come true to play for India. I had the same feeling when I got this news,” she said.

Kalpana admitted the honour came as a surprise but said it was heartening to see ACA giving more importance to women’s cricket.

“This was very unexpected. I am also very happy that the ACA is giving more importance to women,” she added.

What makes the moment even more special for Kalpana is sharing the honour with her idol, Mithali Raj, whom she has long admired.

“Mithali Raj was always an inspiration for me — not just for her cricket, but for the way she carried herself. To be honoured alongside her is beyond words,” Kalpana shared.

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While her international career was relatively short, Kalpana remains content and proud of her journey.

“I have no regrets about my career. I only stopped playing due to health issues, nothing else. I am all good now, everything is fine,” she emphasised.

The recognition marks a milestone in Ravi Kalpana’s journey — a lasting tribute to her contributions to Indian women’s cricket and her enduring legacy in Andhra’s sporting history.