Mumbai Cricket Association Awards Legends Dilip Vengsarkar And Diana Edulji

Add as a preferred source on Google

In a grand ceremony held at the Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket Academy and Recreation Centre in BKC, Mumbai, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) honored cricket stalwarts Dilip Vengsarkar and Diana Edulji with the Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating their immense contributions to the sport.

Both Vengsarkar and Edulji have left indelible marks on Mumbai and Indian cricket, not only through their performances on the field but also through their roles in administration. This accolade comes as recognition of their years of dedication and service to cricket.

The event was not just about honoring legends; it also celebrated the achievements of the current generation of cricketers. Ajinkya Rahane, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Sayali Satghare, and Sanika Chalke stood out among the individual awardees for their exceptional performances in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

Their efforts were acknowledged in front of an esteemed audience that included His Excellency Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra, and Shri Ashish Shelar, Minister of Information Technology & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, along with other dignitaries and members of the MCA's Apex Council.

"I appreciate the Mumbai Cricket Association for nurturing the young talent who have assembled here in big numbers. India is now capable of defeating any team, and the Association plays an important role in this. We need to provide quality training facilities, modern coaching, and proper grounds so that young athletes from smaller towns can excel in cricket. Talent knows no boundaries," stated Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, emphasizing the critical role of the MCA in developing cricketing talent across India.

Celebrating Mumbai's Cricketing Excellence

Further adding to the night's significance, MCA recognized the outstanding performances of Mumbai teams in domestic tournaments during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, including the success of the Ajinkya Rahane-led Ranji Trophy champions. The Sharad Pawar Scholarship was awarded to 15 young, exceptional players, underlining the association's commitment to fostering new talent and supporting their cricketing aspirations.

Shri Ashish Shelar also lauded the achievements of the Mumbai cricketers and the MCA's role in their development. "This is a special day that we all look forward to every year. Today, we honour talented players from our Mumbai family, who showcase their skills at various tournaments.

"It is because of their talent, hardwork, and dedication that the Mumbai Cricket Association is scaling new heights every day at the national level. I congratulate all the winners for their achievements," he said, acknowledging the hard work and success of the city's cricketers.

Aside from Vengsarkar and Edulji, the MCA also recognized Prof. Ratnakar Shetty and Pravin Barve with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their significant contributions to cricket administration.

Vengsarkar, a pivotal figure in India's 1983 World Cup victory and a former captain, alongside Edulji, who played a foundational role in establishing women's cricket in India, have both been instrumental in taking Mumbai and Indian cricket to greater heights.

"These awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and excellence that define Mumbai cricket. Dilip Vengsarkar and Diana Edulji have been true legends, and their contributions to both, Mumbai and Indian cricket, have been phenomenal.

"Similarly, Prof. Ratnakar Shetty and Pravin Barve ji have played pivotal roles in shaping Mumbai's cricket legacy. We are proud to honor them with MCA's Lifetime Achievement Award. I also congratulate all the award winners for their outstanding performances," expressed MCA President Ajinkya Naik, highlighting the significance of the awards and the illustrious careers of the recipients.

The ceremony also served as a platform to announce the winners of individual awards for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, with names such as Ajinkya Rahane, Shams Mulani, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and many young talents being recognized for their exceptional performances.

Each award, named in honor of past cricketing legends, not only celebrated the achievements of the recipients but also paid homage to the rich legacy of Mumbai cricket. Here is a look at the award winners:

MCA Award Winners List

Lifetime Achievement Award: Mr. Dilip Vengsarkar and Ms. Diana Edulji
Lifetime Achievement Award (Administrator): Prof. Ratnakar Shetty and Mr. Pravin Barve

Season 2022-23 Awards - Individual Awards

Sharad Pawar Scholarship:

1. Kavya Gori
2. Aryan Chouhan
3. Raza Mirza
4. Snehalata Dhangada
5. Nirmiti Rane
6. Kashish Nirmal

Team Awards - Col.C.K.Nayudu Trophy (Runners up)

Season 2023-24 Awards: Individual Awards

Sharad Pawar Scholarship:

1. Shon Korgaonkar
2. Harsh Nadkar
3. Harsh Gaikar
4. Aryan Sankpal
5. Prasoon Singh
6. Ritika Yadav
7. Annanya Shetty
8. Ashwini Nishad
9. Yayati Gawad

Glory of maidan Award: Mr. Gopal Koli and Mr. Madhukar Mohol

Team Awards: Ranji Trophy (Winners)

Sr Women T20 Trophy (Winners)

Women Under 19 One day trophy (Winners)