Banga Bhushan, DSP rank, Rs. 34 lakh reward and more! Eden Gardens celebrates World Cup hero Richa Ghosh

Richa Ghosh with young players. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Richa, 22, was felicitated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who joined the event led by cricket icon and CAB president Sourav Ganguly.

Banerjee conferred the prestigious Banga Bhushan Award on behalf of the state government and also appointed the wicketkeeper-batter as an honourary Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

(L-R) Sourav Ganguly, Richa Ghosh, Mamata Banerjee and Jhulan Goswami. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

"I am personally very happy. I want women to excel more in sports," Banerjee said and added, "We will expect from Richa but should not give her any mental pressure. We should not expect too much from her at this moment. We should allow her to function in her own way."

The Siliguri cricketer, who shared the dias with former Indian women's cricket icon from the state, Jhulan Goswami, was honoured by Ganguly as the CAB president with a golden bat and ball as well as a cheque of Rs. 34 lakh symbolically for her 34 runs in the World Cup final.

(L-R) Richa Ghosh, Mamata Banerjee, Mimi Chakraborty and Jhulan Goswami. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

"Heartiest congratulations to Richa because winning the World Cup is a special moment. I had reached the final of the World Cup but ended up as a runner-up so Richa knows the feeling of being a World Cup winner the best," said Ganguly, who led Team India to the World Cup final in 2003.

"Richa plays the toughest role in the team. As per her batting order, she is asked for the maximum runs in minimum balls," added the former Indian cricket board president.

(L-R) Sourav Ganguly and Richa Ghosh at the Eden Gardens. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Making her international debut in 2020, Richa has been a part of India’s squad for multiple ICC tournaments, including the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup and the 2005 ODI World Cup.

Known for her finishing ability, she is often compared to MS Dhoni for her composure in chases. 

In the 2025 World Cup final which India won by 52 runs beating South Africa, Richa slammed a crucial 34 off 24 balls including 3 fours and 2 sixes, helping India boost their total in the late overs.

Richa Ghosh during her knock against South Africa in the World Cup final. Photo: BCCI Women/X

Overwhelmed by the appreciations at the Eden Gardens, Richa said in limited words, "The way I have been welcomed and honoured, it feels like a dream."

When she was asked about how she excels under pressure, she says, "I always practice in nets with a target in mind which helps me in matches."

Richa Ghosh addresses the crowd at the Eden Gardens. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Richa's family, West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, Bengali film actress Mimi Chakraborty and other CAB office bearers were on the dais while several ex-Bengal women cricketers graced the occasion.

(Photos: Avishek Mitra/IBNS & BCCI Women/X)