Sunil Gavaskar, other Mumbai captains felicitated as MCA kicks off Wankhede Stadium’s 50th anniversary celebrations

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) held a lavish felicitation event for the previous men’s and women’s leaders of the Mumbai cricket team to kick off the celebration week for the stadium’s 50th anniversary at Wankhede Stadium. Cricketing greats like Sunil Gavaskar, who played for the Indian side in the first Test match against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in 1974, graced the event, which took place at the stadium.

Sunil Gavaskar conveyed his sincere feelings during the event.

Being back at this legendary location, which has hosted many memorable moments in Indian cricket, is wonderful. As an opening batter, I had to be there for the start of the legendary Wankhede Stadium’s 50th anniversary celebration week, which begins today. I want to sincerely thank the MCA for the possibilities they gave me during my academic years and offer my best wishes to them. He said, “The MCA’s encouragement and support were crucial to my success.”

MCA Vice President Sanjay Naik, MCA President Ajinkya Naik, Treasurer Arman Mallick, Secretary Abhay Hadap, Jt Secretary Deepak Patil, and past President Vijay Patil were also present at the felicitation ceremony.

A wide range of cricketing legends who have contributed to Mumbai cricket’s rich history attended the occasion, including Sanjay Manjrekar, Wasim Jaffer, Raju Kulkarni, Chandrakant Pandit, Lalchand Rajput, Shobha Pandit, and Arundhati Ghosh. Additionally recognised for their assistance and contributions to Mumbai cricket was the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai (SJAM).

Two thrilling cricket matches with teams from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai (SJAM), Consul Generals, and IAS Officers were staged as part of the week-long festivities. MCA defeated the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai by five runs in the first game, while the IAS Officers Team defeated the Consul Generals Team by twenty runs in the second.

In his remarks, MCA President Ajinkya Naik stated: “We consider the 50th anniversary of Wankhede Stadium to be a unique occasion. Our primary objective for this week-long event is to educate the next generation about Mumbai’s cricket history and the accomplishments of its men’s and women’s players, as well as to encourage the younger generation to carry on this tradition. Today marked the beginning of the magnificent celebration.

Throughout the week, the 50th anniversary festivities will go on. The members of the Mumbai side that played the first first-class match at the Wankhede Stadium in 1974 will be felicitated by MCA on January 15th, together with the groundskeepers of MCA’s clubs and grounds, Polly Umrigar Health Camp, and a special meal for them.

The grand performance is scheduled for January 19, 2025, and tickets may be purchased on Insider.in and District by Zomato. Tickets, which start at ₹300, will provide fans the chance to take part in the momentous event and see a thrilling evening.