Wankhede Stadium Set to Honor Rohit Sharma with Name Change
MCA Honors Cricket Legends with Stand Names at Wankhede Stadium
Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) made a momentous decision during its 86th Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, announcing the naming of stands at Wankhede Stadium in honor of cricket icons Rohit Sharma, Ajit Wadekar, and Sharad Pawar. This proposal, initiated by MCA Apex Council member Milind Narvekar and supported by fellow member Jitendra Awhad, reflects the association’s commitment to recognizing significant contributors to Mumbai cricket. Rohit Sharma’s name will grace the Divecha Pavilion Level 3 stand, celebrating his leadership in guiding India to victories in the T20 World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, the Grand Stand Level 4 will be named after Ajit Wadekar, who led India to its first Test series wins in West Indies and England in 1971, and the Grand Stand Level 3 will honor Sharad Pawar for his influential role as MCA president.
Leadership Reflections at MCA’s Annual Meeting
During the meeting, MCA president Ajinkya Naik expressed that the naming decisions underscore the association’s respect for the foundational figures in Mumbai cricket. He stated, “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 secretary Abhay Hadap also emphasized the association’s dedication to honoring cricketing legends while striving for excellence in the sport. The meeting highlighted the MCA’s ongoing mission to preserve the legacies of its stalwarts, ensuring that their contributions to cricket are never forgotten.
A Tribute to Ajit Wadekar and Amol Kale
The decision to honor Ajit Wadekar comes after a long-standing request from various members of the cricket community. Veteran administrator Prof Ratnakar Shetty had previously urged the MCA to name a feature at Wankhede Stadium in memory of Wadekar, who passed away in 2018. Shetty’s heartfelt plea underscored the need to recognize Wadekar’s incredible achievements as a captain. In addition to the stands, a lounge at Wankhede will now be named after former MCA president Amol Kale, who passed away in 2024. The MCA’s announcement reflects a broader strategy to honor past leaders while enhancing the association’s infrastructure and growth.
Strengthening Cricket Infrastructure for Future Generations
In a significant move to bolster grassroots cricket, MCA has committed to increasing the financial corpus for affiliated clubs to Rs. 75 crores, with plans to elevate it to Rs. 100 crores in the coming years. This initiative aims to enhance the infrastructure supporting cricket across Mumbai, ensuring that future generations have the resources and facilities needed to thrive. The MCA’s focus on growth and development, as discussed during the meeting, highlights its dedication to nurturing talent and upholding the rich legacy of the sport in the region.
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