Smriti Mandhana's captaincy debut comes with a bonus: Free entry for women in Raipur

Smriti Mandhana's first match as India's full-time captain comes with an added attraction, as the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Association announces free entry for women for the T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur on October 16.Women will be granted free entry at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium on October 16. (Image: AP)New Delhi,Oct 15, 2026 22:57 ISTWomen will have an added reason to turn up for India's T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur on Friday, October 16, with the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Association announcing free entry for female spectators at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium.The initiative coincides with a significant occasion for Indian women's cricket, as Smriti Mandhana prepares to lead India as their full-time captain for the first time. Mandhana has taken over the leadership role from Harmanpreet Kaur, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the team.The three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe will be Mandhana's first assignment as India's full-time captain. The opening match, scheduled to begin at 7 PM, offers fans in Raipur an opportunity to watch the new skipper lead the side in her first game in the role.The Chhattisgarh State Cricket Association's announcement adds a fan-friendly touch to the occasion, opening the doors to women who want to watch the contest from the stands without having to pay for entry. The move could also help bring more women into the stadium, giving local fans a chance to experience international cricket and support the Indian team in person. For Mandhana, the focus will be on setting the tone for her tenure and guiding India through their upcoming assignments. Taking over the captaincy brings added responsibility for one of India's most experienced batters, who will now have a greater role in shaping the team's on-field decisions and setting its direction.The Zimbabwe series gives India an opportunity to build momentum under their new full-time captain. The three T20Is will also provide a platform for the team to work on combinations and establish a rhythm as they look ahead to a busy international calendar. The contest is therefore an important milestone for Mandhana, even as the team will be keen to begin the series with a strong performance. Playing in front of a lively home crowd could provide an added lift, with the free-entry initiative offering women in Raipur a chance to be part of the occasion.With a new captain at the helm and free entry for women, Friday's contest promises to be more than just the start of a T20I series. It will also be an opportunity for the Raipur crowd to witness the opening chapter of Mandhana's full-time captaincy journey.The match begins at 7 PM on Friday, October 16, at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.- Ends