On May 16, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) held a lavish ceremony at the storied Wankhede Stadium to officially open three stands that bear the names of notable Indian cricket players and officials. There were lavish decorations and a festive vibe to the occasion.
Cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan forced the postponement of the event, which was initially planned for May 13. The occasion will feature the dedication of the MCA office lounge in honour of the association’s late president, Amol Kale, in addition to the stands’ unveiling. On April 15, at MCA’s 86th Annual General Meeting, the decision to name the stands was made.
In recognition of India’s current ODI captain and his outstanding leadership during the 2024 T20 World Cup, which was held in the USA and the West Indies, as well as the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the Divecha Pavilion Level 3 will be dubbed the Rohit Sharma Stand. Banners and flower decorations highlighting Rohit in his Test shirt were displayed on the stand. The official name plate was ceremoniously unveiled after being concealed beneath a cloak.
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗛𝗜𝗧 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗 🫡🏟#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #RohitSharmaStand | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/dqdWu6YSQ5
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 16, 2025
In honour of the former Indian captain who was instrumental in Indian cricket in the 1970s, the Grand Stand Level 4 will be dubbed the Ajit Wadekar Stand.
In honour of Sharad Pawar’s accomplishments as the former head of the ICC, BCCI, and MCA, the Grand Stand Level 3 will be renamed the Pawar Stand.
After leading India to win in the 2024 T20 World Cup, veteran cricketer Rohit Sharma declared his retirement from T20 Internationals. Ahead of the forthcoming tour of England, he also declared his retirement from Test cricket on May 7.
When it comes to Ajit Wadekar, he helped alter the history of Indian cricket in 1971 by leading his team to its first-ever series triumphs in both England and the West Indies. At the age of 77, the renowned cricket player passed away in August 2018.
Sharad Pawar, who presided over the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) from 2001 to 2016, is recognised as a guiding influence in the organisation. During his term, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final was held at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
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