Wankhede Stadium Honors Legends: Stands Named After Rohit Sharma, Ajit Wadekar, and Sharad Pawar
In a landmark decision, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced during its 86th Annual General Meeting on Tuesday that three iconic stands at the historic Wankhede Stadium will be named after Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Ajit Wadekar, and Sharad Pawar. This gesture is a tribute to their unparalleled contributions to the game and the association, etching their legacies into the heart of Mumbai’s cricketing heritage.
The Divecha Pavilion Level 3 stand will now bear the name of Rohit Sharma, India’s current Test and ODI captain. Sharma, affectionately known as the ‘Hitman’, led India to the T20 World Cup triumph in 2024 in the USA and West Indies, cementing his status as one of India’s most successful captains. Under his leadership, India also clinched the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year in the UAE. This honor acknowledges his remarkable achievements, including being the only player to score three double centuries in ODIs and his instrumental role in Mumbai’s domestic cricket dominance.
The Grand Stand Level 4 will be christened the Ajit Wadekar Stand, commemorating the former India captain who steered the nation to historic Test series victories in the West Indies and England in 1971. Wadekar, often hailed as the pioneer of Indian cricket’s overseas success, passed away in 2018. His son, Prasad Wadekar, expressed delight over the tribute, stating to TOI, ‘It’s an excellent piece of news for our family. It’s a long-awaited and fitting tribute.’ Veteran administrator Prof. Ratnakar Shetty had long advocated for this recognition, emphasizing Wadekar’s legacy during speeches at MCA events, including one on March 20 at the Sharad Pawar Indoor Academy Ground.
Meanwhile, the Grand Stand Level 3 will be named the Pawar Stand, honoring Sharad Pawar, the former ICC and BCCI chief, and a revered mentor of the MCA. Pawar’s tenure as MCA president from 2001 to 2013, and later from 2013 to 2016, saw transformative developments, including hosting the 2011 World Cup final at a revamped Wankhede Stadium. His administrative acumen elevated Mumbai cricket to new heights, making this recognition a testament to his visionary leadership.
In a heartfelt gesture, the MCA also decided to name a lounge at the Wankhede after the late Amol Kale, a former MCA president who tragically passed away in 2024 in New York. The MCA Office Lounge at the pavilion will serve as a tribute to his contributions to the association. MCA president Ajinkya Naik remarked, ‘Today’s decisions reflect our deep respect for the pillars of Mumbai cricket and our determination to build an even stronger future. 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 reiterated the association’s commitment, stating, ‘The MCA remains dedicated to preserving the legacy of stalwarts who have made invaluable contributions to the sport while continuing its mission of cricketing excellence.’ The meeting also highlighted plans to bolster grassroots cricket, with the corpus for affiliated clubs increased to Rs. 75 crores and a vision to raise it to Rs. 100 crores in the coming years, reinforcing MCA’s focus on nurturing talent across the city.
The naming of these stands at Wankhede Stadium, a venue synonymous with iconic moments like India’s 1983 and 2011 World Cup victories, adds another layer of history to its storied legacy. As fans cheer from these newly named stands, they will be reminded of the giants who shaped Indian cricket, ensuring their names resonate with every boundary and wicket taken at this hallowed ground.