The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) launched the week-long celebration marking Wankhede Stadium’s 50th anniversary on January 12, 2025, with a grand ceremony that honored former captains of both the men’s and women’s Mumbai cricket teams. The event was held at the iconic stadium, a venue that has witnessed numerous historic moments in Indian cricket.
Gavaskar’s Heartfelt Tribute
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who was part of India’s team during the inaugural Test match at Wankhede Stadium in 1974, was felicitated at the ceremony. Reflecting on his association with the stadium, Gavaskar expressed his deep connection to the venue, acknowledging its significant role in shaping Indian cricket. He extended his gratitude to the MCA for their early support, stating, “I owe my success to the encouragement I received from the MCA,” and emphasized his joy in being part of the anniversary celebrations.
Key Figures and Matches
The event was attended by several prominent cricket figures, including MCA President Ajinkya Naik, Vice President Sanjay Naik, and several former cricketers like Sanjay Manjrekar, Wasim Jaffer, and Chandrakant Pandit. The celebrations included exciting matches between teams representing the MCA, Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai (SJAM), IAS Officers, and Consul Generals. The MCA team triumphed over SJAM by five runs, while the IAS Officers defeated the Consul Generals by 20 runs.
Upcoming Events and Continued Celebrations
The MCA President emphasized the importance of the event, stating that the celebration aimed to educate younger generations about Mumbai’s rich cricketing history. The week-long celebration will include further honors for the stadium’s groundsmen, a health camp, and a special luncheon on January 15. Additionally, the event will commemorate the Mumbai team that played in the first-ever first-class match at Wankhede in 1974.
Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli also shared his memories of playing at the stadium, particularly recalling his two double centuries against England.
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