The Wankhede Stadium, an iconic cricketing venue, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a week-long series of events that culminated in a grand gala evening on Sunday. Cricketing legends, dignitaries, and fans gathered to honor the stadium’s illustrious legacy and its pivotal role in Indian cricket.
Established in 1974, Wankhede Stadium has been the stage for some of cricket’s most historic moments. From thrilling domestic encounters to memorable international matches, the stadium has been integral to Mumbai’s and India’s cricketing journey. Reflecting on its golden jubilee, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) President Ajinkya Naik called it the “shining star of Indian cricket.”
ALSO READ
In his statement, Naik said, “As we honor those who have contributed to Wankhede’s glorious journey, we also step into a new era that will nurture the next 50 years of excellence in cricket.”
The celebratory week featured a host of activities, including the felicitation of past captains of Mumbai’s men’s and women’s cricket teams and members of the first-class team that played the inaugural match at Wankhede in 1974. Groundsmen, support staff, and sports journalists were also honored during the festivities, which included a Polly Umrigar Health Camp and special lunches.
The gala evening brought together cricketing luminaries such as Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Ravi Shastri, Ajinkya Rahane, and Diana Edulji. Hosted by Mandira Bedi and Prasanna Sant, the event featured spectacular performances by artists Avadhoot Gupte and Ajay-Atul, and a captivating laser show that delighted spectators.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sent his congratulations to the MCA and fans, acknowledging the significance of Wankhede Stadium in Indian cricket. The evening also included the release of a commemorative coffee table book and stamp, highlighting the stadium’s rich history. Adding to the celebration, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar’s 75th birthday was marked with a special tribute.
A photo opportunity with the ICC Champions Trophy and other memorabilia underscored the venue’s historic significance. Speaking about Wankhede’s legacy, the assembled players reflected on how the stadium shaped their careers and strengthened Mumbai’s reputation as a hub of cricketing talent.
The week-long celebrations also included friendly matches between the MCA, Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai (SJAM), Consul Generals, and IAS Officers. These matches highlighted the spirit of camaraderie that has been a hallmark of the stadium’s community engagement.
Get every cricket update! Follow us on
