In a significant move to encourage female attendance, women will be granted free entry to all three T20 matches between India and Zimbabwe.
The matches will take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur on October 16, 18, and 20. This initiative follows a suggestion from Chhattisgarh Vishnu Dev Sai, who proposed the idea after being invited by officials from the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Association (CSCA).
The decision aims to boost attendance and create a festive atmosphere, especially as the Navratri festival is currently being celebrated. A source from the CSCA noted that the Chief Minister’s suggestion was well-received and implemented promptly.
The invitation to the Chief Minister was extended by CSCA President Mohan Das, along with other officials including Director Vijay Shah and former President Mukul Tiwari. The association has since taken to social media, encouraging women fans to come out in large numbers to support the Indian team.
This series will mark the debut of Smriti Mandhana as the full-time captain of the Indian women’s team and will also be Zimbabwe’s first bilateral India. Notably, this is the first time Raipur will host an international women’s match. Following the , both teams will travel to Vadodara for a three-match ODI series scheduled from October 23 to 28.