Richa Cricket Stadium: Building the Future of Women’s Cricket in India

For decades, women’s cricket in India lived in the shadows, unnoticed, underfunded, and undervalued. But times are changing. The cheers are louder, the lights brighter, and the respect long overdue has finally arrived. And standing proudly at the heart of this transformation is Richa Ghosh, the young wicketkeeper-batter from Siliguri, West Bengal, whose fearless game has helped script history. At just 22 years old, Richa has already become a symbol of this new era—one where women cricketers are not just players but national icons. The West Bengal government’s announcement to build a state-of-the-art ‘Richa Cricket Stadium’ in Siliguri is not just a tribute to her achievements but also a recognition of how far women’s cricket has come.A Stadium That Symbolizes ChangeThe Richa Cricket Stadium will rise on a 27-acre plot at the Chandmani Tea Estate, a place not far from where Richa’s own story began. The initiative aims to honor her contribution to Indian cricket and inspire young girls across North Bengal to pick up the bat and believe in their dreams. The move by the West Bengal government is both emotional and historic; it marks one of the first times a stadium in India has been named after a female cricketer. For a country where cricket has long been seen as a man’s game, this is a powerful symbol of change.From Siliguri to Stardom: The Journey of a DreamerBorn on 28 September 2003, in the quiet town of Siliguri, Richa Ghosh’s story is one of humble beginnings and unstoppable ambition. Her father, Manabendra Ghosh, who ran a small cricket academy, was her first coach and constant supporter. Despite financial struggles, he made sure his daughter had every opportunity to chase her passion. At just 16 years old, Richa made her international debut in 2020, representing India at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia. It was the moment a new star was born. Her aggressive batting, sharp wicketkeeping, and calmness under pressure soon made her a regular in the national side.A Rising Star with Global ImpactRicha Ghosh’s career graph has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has represented India in all formats—tests, ODIs, and T20s—and has become one of the team’s most reliable finishers. In 2021, she made her ODI debut against Australia, showing maturity far beyond her years. The same year, she joined the Hobart Hurricanes in Australia’s Big Bash League, gaining invaluable international experience. In 2023, she became one of the highest-paid players in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) after being signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹1.90 crore.Her Test debut in December 2023 was marked by a confident half-century, proving she could handle long-format pressure just as well. In December 2024, she smashed the joint-fastest fifty in women’s T20Is, taking India to their then highest-ever total against the West Indies. And in 2025, Richa was instrumental in India’s Women’s World Cup triumph, scoring a heroic 94 runs against South Africa, the highest-ever score by a number 8 batter in Women’s ODI history. Every inning, every run, and every dive behind the stumps speaks of fearless cricket and quiet determination.Inspiring the Next GenerationThe “Richa Cricket Stadium” is expected to become more than just a sports facility; it will be a training ground for dreams. For the young girls of North Bengal, it’s a symbol that success is possible, no matter where you come from.  West Bengal has a long history of producing sporting icons, from Leander Paes in tennis to Jhulan Goswami in cricket. Richa Ghosh now joins that league of legends. But what makes her story unique is that she represents a new generation of Indian women who are bold, confident, and unapologetically ambitious. Her rise comes at a time when women’s sports in India are breaking barriers with increased visibility, better infrastructure, and stronger institutional support. The new stadium is both a celebration and a promise: that the next Richa Ghosh will not have to struggle for recognition. As the foundation stone of the Richa Cricket Stadium is laid, it stands not just for one champion, but for the thousands of girls who will one day follow her footsteps. Because finally, Indian women cricketers are getting their due, and this time, it’s Richa Ghosh who’s leading the way.