Richa Ghosh, a key player in India’s victorious Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign, is set to be honoured with a cricket stadium named after her. The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who played a pivotal role in India’s World Cup triumph, will have a stadium built in her hometown of Siliguri, West Bengal. The announcement was made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday.
The “Richa Cricket Stadium” will be constructed on a 27-acre plot at the Chandmani Tea Estate in Siliguri, a region known for producing some of Bengal’s most talented cricketers. Banerjee, addressing reporters, stated that the stadium would not only honour Richa but also encourage young cricketers from North Bengal. “This is a way to honour Richa, one of Bengal’s shining sports talents, and to inspire more cricketers in the region,” she said. The project is set to be undertaken by the state government soon.
In addition to the stadium announcement, Ghosh was awarded the prestigious “Banga Bhushan” by the West Bengal government on Saturday, appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and gifted a gold chain. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) also rewarded her with Rs 34 lakh—Rs 1 lakh for each run she scored in the final.
CAB President and former BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly, who once came agonisingly close to winning the World Cup in 2003, shared his admiration for Richa. He described her World Cup victory as “special” and expressed confidence that she could one day captain the Indian women’s cricket team. “Your career has just begun,” Ganguly said. “Women’s cricket will grow massively in the next four to six years, and I hope you make the most of it. One day, like Jhulan, we’ll be saying, ‘Richa – India captain’.”
Richa played a key role in India’s World Cup final victory against South Africa. Batting at No. 7, she contributed a crucial 34 off 24 balls, including three fours and two sixes, to help India post a challenging total of 298 for 7. South Africa was eventually bowled out for 246. Ganguly praised Richa for her ability to perform under pressure, particularly in the lower order. “The role she plays is very difficult—you get fewer balls but need to score the most runs. Her strike rate of 130-plus in the final made the difference. What she has done is as valuable as Smriti or Harman,” he said.
For Jhulan Goswami, India’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs, Richa’s success was a moment of great pride. Goswami recalled how she had discovered Richa during the 2013 district trials in Siliguri. “In 2013, we were struggling, and I suggested district trials. During the under-15 trials in Siliguri, I spotted Richa. She was so talented at that age—I knew she had to be in the senior team,” Goswami said, emotional. “Finally, through your hands, our World Cup has come—thank you so much.”
A nervous but beaming Richa expressed her disbelief at the reception she had received. “It feels like a dream—the way I was received in Siliguri and now here. It’s like living a dream,” she said.
On her training regimen, Richa explained her approach. “When I bat at open nets, I set a target—how many runs I can score in a specific time. That helps me in big matches,” she said with a smile. She also credited her ability to hit big sixes to focused practice. “They always praise my sixes, so I try for more big hits. It’s about choosing the right ball,” she added. To handle pressure, Richa stays calm by watching movies and distancing herself from the cricket environment when needed.
The “Banga Bhushan” and “Banga Bibhushan” are the highest civilian honours awarded by the West Bengal government. These prestigious awards recognise individuals who have excelled in various fields, including art, culture, literature, public administration, and service to the community.
