Siliguri, West Bengal: Richa Ghosh, one of the key architects of India’s historic Women’s World Cup 2025 victory, is set to receive a rare and remarkable honour. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Monday that a new cricket stadium will be built in Siliguri, named after the 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter — a fitting tribute to her contributions to Indian cricket.
“The ‘Richa Cricket Stadium’ will be built on a 27-acre plot at the Chandmani Tea Estate in Siliguri,” Banerjee said while addressing reporters, according to PTI. “This is our way to honour Richa, one of Bengal’s shining sports talents, and inspire young cricketers from North Bengal. The project will be taken up by the state government soon.”
Richa, who hails from Siliguri, played a pivotal role in India’s World Cup-winning campaign. In eight matches, she scored 235 runs at an impressive average of 39.16, including several crucial late-order cameos that guided India over the line in tight contests.
The wicketkeeper-batter was conferred with the prestigious ‘Banga Bhushan’ award on Saturday. Additionally, she was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and received a gold chain from the West Bengal government.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) also honoured her remarkable feat, awarding her ₹34 lakh — ₹1 lakh for every run she scored in the final.
Former BCCI president and CAB chief Sourav Ganguly, who narrowly missed lifting the Men’s World Cup in 2003, lauded Richa’s achievement and said she represents the new face of Indian women’s cricket.
“The World Cup triumph is a special, special win, and only Richa can tell us what that feels like,” Ganguly said. “Your career has just begun. Women’s cricket will grow massively in the next four to six years. I hope you make the most of these opportunities, and one day we’ll stand here and say — Richa, India captain.”
Richa played a key innings in the World Cup final against South Africa, scoring a quickfire 34 off 24 balls with three fours and two sixes, helping India post 298/7. India went on to defeat South Africa by 52 runs to lift the trophy.
Ganguly praised her ability to thrive under pressure, noting that batting lower down the order is one of the toughest roles in cricket.
“People may remember Jemimah’s 127 not out or Harmanpreet’s 89 in the semifinals, but Richa’s strike rate of 130-plus made the real difference,” he said. “Her contribution is equal in value to Smriti or Harman’s.”
For Jhulan Goswami, India’s legendary pacer and Bengal’s pride, the moment was deeply emotional. She recalled how she had discovered Richa during Bengal’s 2013 district trials in Siliguri — an initiative she herself had started after India’s poor World Cup campaign that year.
“During the under-15 trials in Siliguri, I spotted Richa. She was incredibly talented, and I requested the officials to support her,” Jhulan recalled. “Finally, through your hands, our World Cup has come. Thank you so much.”
A visibly overwhelmed Richa expressed her gratitude to the state and fans, saying she was still “living a dream.”
“It feels surreal — the way I was received in Siliguri and now here. It’s like a dream come true,” she said.
Speaking about her approach to the game, Richa shared,
“When I bat in open nets, I set targets — how many runs I can score in a specific time. That helps me in big matches. They always praise my sixes, so I try for more big hits — it’s about picking the right ball.”
On handling pressure, she added with a smile,
“I like taking pressure, but I stay calm by watching movies and keeping my mind away from cricket when needed.”
The Banga Bhushan and Banga Bibhushan awards are West Bengal’s highest civilian honours, given to individuals who have excelled in various fields including sports, arts, literature, and public service.
With a stadium now set to bear her name, Richa Ghosh has become not just a cricketing icon but an enduring symbol of inspiration for young athletes across Bengal and India.