Richa Ghosh honoured with state awards and police appointment in West Bengal
Days after playing a pivotal role in India’s maiden Women’s ODI World Cup win, Richa Ghosh was welcomed back to West Bengal with a state-level tribute that reflected both pride and promise. On Saturday, November 8, the 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter was honoured at Eden Gardens by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), with CAB president Sourav Ganguly, legendary fast bowler Jhulan Goswami, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in attendance.
Richa was appointed as the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the West Bengal Police — making her only the second Indian woman cricketer to receive such an honour — and was also awarded the prestigious Banga Bhushan, the state’s highest civilian recognition. The letter of appointment was handed over by CM Banerjee during the felicitation.
Heartiest Congratulations, DSP Richa Ghosh!
Richa Ghosh, the pride of Bengal, is now a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). The Government of West Bengal has appointed Richa Ghosh, a crucial member of the World Cup-winning Indian Women's Cricket Team, to the post of Deputy… pic.twitter.com/I90ZSiWu8e
— West Bengal Police (@WBPolice) November 8, 2025
In a video posted on Twitter by Press Trust of India, the ceremony captured the standing ovation Richa received as she stood on stage with Ganguly and Goswami. Mamata Banerjee later tweeted her congratulations, praising Richa for bringing home Bengal’s first World Cup title.
VIDEO | West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee, in the presence of former India captain Sourav Ganguly, felicitated Women's World Cup winning cricketer Richa Ghosh with a gold chain, offered an appointment letter of West Bengal Police in the rank of Deputy Superintendent of… pic.twitter.com/bIOJPSsQ7e
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 8, 2025
Bengal's daughters are Bengal’s greatest pride. I had the privilege of attending a special felicitation ceremony organised by the Cricket Association of Bengal at the iconic Eden Gardens, honouring Richa Ghosh for her outstanding contribution to India’s World Cup triumph.
On… pic.twitter.com/XRxGbgrfoF
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 8, 2025
The CAB also presented her with a cheque of ₹34 lakh (approx. US $38.4K), gold bat and ball replicas, and a gold chain. Her parents were honoured as well.
Reflecting on her match-winning lower-order contributions, CAB president Sourav Ganguly said during the felicitation ceremony, “I used to open the innings but know how difficult is the role of No. 6 and No. 7 batters in white-ball cricket. You get minimum balls to get maximum runs. Richa’s strike made the difference for India’s campaign in this World Cup.”
He added, “The World Cup triumph is a special, special win and only Richa can tell us what that feels like. Your career has just begun. Women’s cricket will grow massively in the next four to six years and there will be more opportunities.”
Encouraging her future ambitions, Ganguly concluded, “I hope you make the most of them and one day, like Jhulan, we will stand here and say: ‘Richa — India captain’. You are just 22… You have got time. All blessings and heartiest congratulations.”
Jhulan Goswami, visibly moved, recounted Richa’s journey from the Siliguri district trials in 2013 during her speech at the felicitation ceremony at Eden Gardens: “In 2013, we were struggling, so I suggested trials in districts. During the under-15 trials in Siliguri, I spotted Richa. I requested the officials to support her. She was so talented at that age, I’d never seen that before. I wanted her to be in the senior team, and the rest is history.”
She ended her tribute with a heartfelt message: “Finally, tor haath diye amader World Cup ta aslo — onek onek dhonnobad (Finally, through your hands, our World Cup has come — thank you so much).”
In a celebration of equal magnitude, the Maharashtra government honored three of its homegrown heroes in Mumbai, recognizing their pivotal contributions to India’s World Cup triumph.
Maharashtra rewards Mandhana, Rodrigues and Yadav with ₹2.5 crore each
A day earlier, on Friday, November 7, the Maharashtra Government held its own felicitation ceremony in Mumbai to honour World Cup-winning cricketers Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Radha Yadav. The trio was awarded ₹2.5 crore (approx. US $282.2K) each by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence, Varsha. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and members of the support staff were also in attendance.
Fadnavis addressed the gathering by saying, “You’ve made Maharashtra proud. Your victory has brought immense joy to the state.” He highlighted Jemimah’s semi-final century, stating, “Jemimah’s century in the semifinal was a turning point, it took us to the finals. The way this team fought back and played like a family shows what true teamwork means.”
Smriti Mandhana expressed her gratitude at the ceremony: “Thank you for inviting and felicitating us, and that too in Mumbai, which makes it even more special. Maharashtra has always supported us. In 2017 too, we were felicitated, when we were runner ups. Many of our support staff belong to this state. This victory wouldn’t have been possible without their hard work.”
India head coach Amol Muzumdar, also from Maharashtra, praised the determination of the players during the felicitation ceremony in Mumbai: “When we came to Mumbai for the semifinals and finals, we had that enthusiasm and belief that something historic would happen here.”
He added, “The skill level of these players is beyond imagination. They had just one dream – to win the World Cup – and they worked day and night for it.”
The state also awarded ₹22.5 lakh (approx. US $25.4K) to Muzumdar and ₹11 lakh (approx. US $12.4K) each to other key support staff members.
Andhra Pradesh also joined the wave of recognition, bestowing a remarkable set of honors upon one of its own rising stars following the landmark victory.
Andhra Pradesh recognises Shree Charani with cash award and government job
Celebrations extended to Andhra Pradesh, where the state government on Friday, November 7, announced a cash reward of ₹2.5 crore (approx. US $282.2K), a government job, and a housing plot for 21-year-old spinner N. Shree Charani, one of India’s breakout stars in the World Cup. The decision was shared via an official tweet by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office and was later quoted by CM Chandrababu Naidu.
The Government of Andhra Pradesh, led by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu Garu has announced a cash award of ₹2.5 crore, a 1,000 sq. yard house site, and a Group-I government job for Ms. Shree Charani in recognition of her exemplary performance in the ICC Women’s… pic.twitter.com/lUHpx1fHy9
— CMO Andhra Pradesh (@AndhraPradeshCM) November 7, 2025
A star daughter of Andhra Pradesh, our very own Kadapa girl and World Cup champion, Ms. Shree Charani made an invaluable contribution to India’s Women’s Cricket World Cup victory. She reflects the spirit of Telugu daughters – their strength, determination, and limitless… https://t.co/gkNgD3xy74
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) November 7, 2025
Naidu shared a photo of the young cricketer and wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Selfie with a spinner who made India a winner.”
Selfie with a spinner who made India a winner!#APWelcomesShreeCharani pic.twitter.com/dEi98IhgnS
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) November 7, 2025
Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for Human Resource Development and IT, also applauded her efforts, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “Her achievement truly showcases the strength and spirit of Indian women and will inspire generations of young athletes.”
#APWelcomesShreeCharani
Honoured to welcome Indian women’s cricket star Shree charani and former captain Mithali Raj to our residence in Amaravati. CM @ncbn Garu and I congratulated Shree charani on India’s glorious Women’s World Cup victory. Her achievement truly showcases the… pic.twitter.com/4vig1MWUj7— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) November 7, 2025
The left-arm spinner, who hails from Yerramala Palle village in Kadapa district, took 14 wickets in the tournament, including a key breakthrough in the final against South Africa.
She met with Naidu and other senior state officials after returning home from Delhi, presenting him with a team-signed jersey. Her performance has since become a point of pride across the state, symbolising both grassroots potential and national achievement.
A nationwide celebration of women’s cricket success
The post-World Cup celebrations across Bengal, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh represent more than local acknowledgements — they are a national testament to the changing face of Indian women’s cricket. With appointments to government service, major financial rewards, and public accolades, the 2025 World Cup has ushered in a new era of recognition for India’s women athletes — one built on performance, pride, and potential.
