The iconic Wankhede Stadium will honour some of cricket’s greatest names, with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announcing on Friday that a stand will be named after former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri. At the same time, three gates will be dedicated to legendary Mumbai cricketers Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji.
The landmark decision was approved at an apex council meeting of the MCA, representing a meaningful tribute to players whose contributions shaped Mumbai and Indian cricket across eras.
The Level 1 Stand situated below the Press Box at Wankhede will now carry Shastri’s name, acknowledging his multifaceted impact on the game across various roles—player, captain, commentator, and coach.
“The Apex Council approved a proposal to name Level 1 Stand below the Press Box at the iconic Wankhede Stadium after former India captain and renowned commentator Ravi Shastri, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket, both as a player and as a coach,” the MCA stated, as quoted by PTI.
The honour extends beyond Shastri, with three stadium gates being rechristened to commemorate other Mumbai legends who left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
Gate No. 3 will bear the name of Dilip Sardesai, the elegant right-handed batsman who graced 30 Tests for India and accumulated 179 First-Class appearances between 1960-61 and 1972-73. Sardesai’s flowing strokeplay and match-winning performances on India’s groundbreaking overseas tours cemented his place in cricketing history.
Gate No. 5 will be designated in honour of Diana Edulji, a pioneer who blazed trails for women’s cricket in India. Appearing in 20 Tests and 34 ODIs between 1976 and 1993, Edulji’s leadership and advocacy played a crucial role in advancing the women’s game across the country.
Gate No. 6 will commemorate Eknath Solkar, the versatile all-rounder celebrated as one of India’s most brilliant close-in fielders. His 27 Tests and seven ODIs included vital contributions during India’s memorable triumphs abroad in the 1970s.
MCA president Ajinkya Naik underscored the significance of recognising these stalwarts. “Mumbai cricket is built on the foundation laid by our stalwarts. It is our responsibility to honour those who have brought pride to the city and the nation,” he said, adding that the initiative reflects the association’s dedication to preserving its rich legacy while motivating upcoming generations of cricketers.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
