Wankhede Stadium Honors Four India Legends: New Stand & Gates Unveiled by CM Fadnavis

In a historic tribute to Mumbai's cricketing heroes, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has named a stand and three gates at the legendary Wankhede Stadium after Ravi Shastri, Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji, celebrating their lasting impact on Indian and Mumbai cricket.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis unveiled the honors, with the Level 1 stand below the Press Box now dubbed the Ravi Shastri Stand. Gates 3, 5, and 6 have been renamed the Dilip Sardesai Gate, Diana Edulji Gate, and Eknath Solkar Gate, respectively.

The event drew Cabinet Minister Shri Ashish Shelar, MCA President Shri Ajinkya Naik, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, MCA Apex Council members, and other cricket luminaries. The MCA also recognized T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Shastri, a key member of India's 1983 World Cup triumph, has left an indelible mark as player, captain, coach, and commentator. Sardesai earned fame as India's 'crisis man' for his reliable batting in tough situations. Solkar shone as one of the game's best close-in fielders, blending all-round prowess with bold play. Edulji broke barriers in women's cricket as a leader and later advanced the sport through administration.

Unveiling the honors, Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis said: "I want to wholeheartedly congratulate the Mumbai Cricket Association. It is a great way to celebrate our icons. This initiative, naming gates and stands after those who created history so that their memories and their contribution to the game remain alive forever, is commendable. I believe that such an initiative can perhaps only happen at Wankhede Stadium through the Mumbai Cricket Association."

Honourable Cabinet Minister and former MCA President Shri Ashish Shelar said: "First of all, I congratulate and commend the Mumbai Cricket Association for organising such a programme here. Our own cricketing family, especially Mumbai cricket, which has enchanted the world, deserves to honour and respect such outstanding players in a proper manner. This thought was shared by all members of the MCA, especially Ajinkya and his colleagues, and today marks that golden day."

MCA President Shri. Ajinkya Naik said: "Wankhede Stadium stands as the heartbeat of Mumbai cricket and a symbol of its enduring legacy. Honouring Ravi Shastri, Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar and Diana Edulji in this manner ensures that their contributions are permanently etched into Mumbai cricket's rich heritage. This initiative reflects the MCA's commitment to preserving our cricketing history while inspiring future generations. I sincerely thank the Honourable Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji and Honourable Cabinet Minister Shri Ashish Shelar Ji for their continued support in strengthening the foundations of cricket."

Ravi Shastri said: "It's a privilege to receive it at the ground [Wankhede Stadium]. When you look at the names there, which you'll see tomorrow, Tendulkar, Vengsarkar, Gavaskar, Sharma, and then, of course, the gates, it reflects an association rich in tradition. They win more than anybody else. So to get up there, you've got to work hard. It won't come easy. For anyone who is young or aspiring, there are no shortcuts."

Diana Edulji said: "It is indeed a great moment for me and my family to be standing here for the unveiling of the gate in my name. I would definitely like to thank the Mumbai Cricket Association. The way they have treated women's cricket and the players has been commendable. Over the last few years, both the current and previous Apex Councils have done a wonderful job in promoting women's cricket and giving us the respect we deserve."

Families of Sardesai and Solkar attended and voiced their gratitude to the MCA. This move by the MCA immortalizes Mumbai cricket's giants, keeping their legacies alive for generations ahead.