New Delhi [India]: At a grand inauguration ceremony held on Friday, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) unveiled four newly named spaces at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, paying tribute to Indian cricket legends and contributors to the sport’s development.
Among the dignitaries present were Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, and MCA President Ajinkya Naik.
Speaking at the event, CM Fadnavis praised the MCA for recognizing those who have played key roles in shaping Indian cricket:
“Mumbai Cricket Association has taken an excellent decision. We are celebrating those who made us proud. The work he (Sharad Pawar) has done for the development of cricket as the President of BCCI, as the President of MCA, certainly has made a huge contribution to the stage on which we get to see cricket today and therefore, giving his name to the stand here is a very right decision that the MCA has taken. I congratulate him for that.”
The four newly dedicated areas at the Wankhede Stadium include:
- Grand Stand Level 3: Shri Sharad Pawar Stand
- Grand Stand Level 4: Ajit Wadekar Stand
- Divecha Pavilion Level 3: Rohit Sharma Stand
- MCA Office Lounge (in memory of late Amol Kale, former MCA president)
Sharad Pawar, who served as BCCI President (2005–2008) and ICC President (2010–2012), also held the role of MCA President from 2013 to 2017. His legacy in cricket administration has left a lasting impact on both domestic and international levels.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the ‘Rohit Sharma Stand’, dedicated to India’s modern-day batting great. Rohit attended the ceremony with his family, including his wife, parents, and brother.
In an emotional speech, Rohit said:
“What is happening today, I had never dreamt of. As a kid growing up, I wanted to play for Mumbai, for India. No one thinks of this. For me to have my name amongst the greats of the game, I cannot express it in words. This is also special as I am still playing. I have retired from two formats, but I am still playing one format.”
The 38-year-old, affectionately called the ‘Hitman’, is one of the greatest opening batters in the history of the game. Over 499 international matches, he has amassed 19,700 runs at an average of 42.18, with 49 centuries, 108 fifties, and a world-record highest ODI score of 264. He also holds the record for the most double hundreds (3) in ODIs.
Rohit has captained India across formats and led the national team to victory in one ICC Champions Trophy and one T20 World Cup title. Recently, he announced his retirement from Test cricket, ahead of the five-match series against England starting June 20, which will kick off India’s ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign.