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Raipur Offers Free Entry for Women as It Hosts Its First Women's International Match
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News18•16-10-2026, 08:21
Raipur Offers Free Entry for Women as It Hosts Its First Women's International Match
- •Female spectators will enjoy free entry for all three T20Is between India and Zimbabwe in Raipur following a proposal by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
- •The series kicks off on October 16 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, with subsequent matches on October 18 and 20.
- •The initiative coincides with the Navratri festival, with organizers hoping to boost the festive atmosphere and encourage a strong turnout of women supporters.
- •The matches mark historic milestones, including Smriti Mandhana starting her full-time captaincy stint and Zimbabwe playing its first bilateral series against India.
- •Following the T20Is, the teams will travel to Vadodara for three ODIs from October 23 to 28, while Surat takes over hosting duties for the Senior Women's T20 Trophy Elite Group A.
Key Questions Answered
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai suggested waiving ticket charges for women when state cricket officials invited him to the matches, and the association agreed to introduce free entry.
The three T20Is take place from October 16 to 20 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, starting at 7 pm. The teams will then play three ODIs in Vadodara from October 23 to 28.
Surat replaced New Delhi because of a shortage of available venues in Delhi, where the Arun Jaitley Stadium is undergoing improvements and Palam Grounds are being used for red-ball Ranji Trophy games.
