On April 15, duringAnnual General Meeting (AGM), the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) dropped a bombshell of admiration — naming key stands at the stadium after three stalwarts: Rohit Sharma, Ajit Wadekar, and Sharad Pawar. The announcement wasn’t just another formal move; it was an emotional acknowledgment of legacies built over decades.
Rohit Sharma Gets His Stand at Wankhede
Rohit Sharma isn’t just a cricketer. He’s a phenomenon. Known as the “Hitman” of Indian cricket, he’s delivered iconic knocks, captained India with calmness and class, and won hearts everywhere. From local boy to global superstar, Rohit’s journey has come full circle. MCA’s move to rename Divecha Pavilion Level 3 as the “Rohit Sharma Stand” is poetic justice. This is the same ground where Rohit first made a mark, and now, his name will be a permanent part of its skyline.
Honoring a Legend: Ajit Wadekar
Ajit Wadekar was more than a former Indian captain, he was a trailblazer. Under his leadership, India won series in the West Indies and England for the first time in the early ‘70s. A proud Mumbaikar, Wadekar embodied the city’s cricketing grit. Level 4 of Wankhede will now be forever known as the “Ajit Wadekar Stand.” It’s a subtle but powerful tribute to a man who laid the foundation for India’s overseas success.
Political Stalwart and Cricket Supporter: Sharad Pawar
You can’t talk MCA or BCCI without mentioning Sharad Pawar. His influence in cricket administration is as legendary as any cricketer’s performance. As a former MCA and BCCI president, his behind-the-scenes work shaped Indian cricket’s future. Now officially named after him, the Grand Stand Level 3 will carry his legacy forward. It’s recognition not of on-field heroics, but of off-field vision and leadership. Whether it’s stadium renovations, infrastructure support, or international matches, having leaders like Pawar in the loop has often been a game-changer.
“The MCA remains committed to preserving the legacy of stalwarts who have made invaluable contributions to the sport while continuing its mission of cricketing excellence,” the MCA said.
The Men Behind the Idea
Milind Narvekar initiated the proposal, and Jitendra Awhad seconded it during the AGM. Their vision reflects a desire to respect history while inspiring future greatness. One of the meeting’s most impactful decisions: increasing the financial corpus for affiliated clubs to ₹75 crores.
“Another key resolution passed during the AGM was the approval of the naming of stands at Wankhede Stadium, a proposal initially put forward by Mr. Milind Narvekar and seconded by Mr. Jitendra Awhad” an MCA release said.
“A major highlight of the meeting was the decision to increase the corpus for affiliated clubs to Rs. 75 crores, with a forward-looking plan to enhance it to Rs. 100 crores in the coming years. This significant move is aimed at strengthening grassroots infrastructure and supporting the long-term growth of cricket across the city,” the release further said.
Ajinkya Naik’s Vision for MCA
MCA President Ajinkya Naik’s leadership clearly aims to respect the past while paving way for a stronger future. That’s the kind of vision cricket needs.
“Today’s decisions reflect our deep respect for the pillars of Mumbai cricket and our determination to build an even stronger future. These stands and this lounge shall forever echo the legacy of those who built Mumbai’s cricketing spirit – brick by brick, run by run,” MCA president Ajinkya Naik said.
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