A Historic Tribute to India’s Young Cricket Star – Richa Ghosh: Richa Ghosh’s journey from a young prodigy in Siliguri to a World Cup hero has completely transformed the way India views women’s cricket. Her stunning 94 against South Africa when India were struggling at 102/6, her fearless hitting in the final overs, and her calm, confident wicketkeeping made her one of the stars of India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup victory.
At just 22, Richa Ghosh has become the face of a new generation that plays to win global titles, not just to participate. And now, her incredible rise is set to be celebrated in a special way in her home state.
A Cricket Stadium to Be Named After Richa Ghosh
In a proud moment for Bengal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced plans to build a new cricket stadium in Darjeeling named after Richa Ghosh. If completed, it would be the first full-fledged cricket stadium in India named after a woman cricketer.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony for Richa, Banerjee revealed that the state has about 27 acres of land in Darjeeling and that she has asked the local mayor to prepare a detailed plan for the new stadium. “The proposed name should be ‘Richa Cricket Stadium’, so that future generations remember her performance and are inspired by it,” the Chief Minister said.
Celebrating a World Cup Hero
The felicitation event turned into a grand celebration of Richa’s World Cup heroics. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), led by president Sourav Ganguly, joined the state government in honouring her. Richa was presented with a gold-plated bat and ball signed by Ganguly and Jhulan Goswami, symbolizing her rapid rise into Bengal’s cricketing hall of fame.
The recognition did not stop there. The West Bengal government also conferred the prestigious Banga Bhushan award on Richa, gifted her a gold chain, and appointed her as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the state. These honors celebrate not just her achievements on the field but also her growing influence as a role model for young athletes across India.
Ganguly praised Richa’s maturity and composure, calling her “a future India captain.” It’s high praise from one of India’s greatest captains, and it perfectly sums up how much belief the cricketing fraternity already has in her potential.
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A Landmark Moment for Women’s Cricket
If the Darjeeling stadium project comes to life, it will be a truly historic milestone. India already has stands named after Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami in Visakhapatnam and Kolkata, but an entire stadium dedicated to a woman cricketer would be a first.
For young girls in Siliguri, Darjeeling, and beyond, the Richa Cricket Stadium would stand as a symbol of what’s possible, a reminder that women’s cricket in India is no longer confined to the sidelines. It’s front and centre, inspiring the next generation to dream bigger, aim higher, and believe that their names, too, can be etched into history.
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