The honours were unveiled by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, as a stand was named after Ravi Shastri and stadium gates were dedicated to Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji. The ceremony was also attended by Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar, MCA President Ajinkya Naik, former India captains Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar, along with MCA Apex Council members, office-bearers, and members of the cricketing fraternity. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the occasion, the MCA also felicitated Suryakumar Yadav, the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup-winning captain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Level 1 stand below the Press Box is now named the Ravi Shastri Stand, honouring a prominent figure in Indian cricket. A member of India\u2019s 1983 World Cup-winning team, Shastri\u2019s contribution spans generations as a player, captain, coach, and commentator.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gate No. 3, Gate No. 6, and Gate No. 5 will now be named the Dilip Sardesai Gate, Eknath Solkar Gate, and Diana Edulji Gate, respectively, marking the contributions of three legends from Mumbai. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sardesai, widely regarded as India\u2019s \u2018crisis man\u2019, made significant contributions to the game with his consistency and dependability. Solkar, regarded among the finest close-in fielders, played a key role in India\u2019s success with his all-round skills and fearless approach. Edulji, a pioneer of women\u2019s cricket, led the national side and later contributed significantly to the growth of the game as an administrator.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Unveiling the honours, Chief Minister Fadnavis said, \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
MCA President Ajinkya Naik said, \u201cWankhede 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\u2019s rich heritage. This initiative reflects the MCA\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ravi Shastri said, \u201cIt\u2019s a privilege to receive it at the ground [Wankhede Stadium]. When you look at the names there, which you\u2019ll 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\u2019ve got to work hard. It won\u2019t come easy. For anyone young or aspiring, there are no shortcuts.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Diana Edulji said, \u201cIt 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\u2019s 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\u2019s cricket and giving us the respect we deserve.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ravi Shastri said, \u201cIt\u2019s a privilege to receive it at the ground [Wankhede Stadium]. When you look at the names there, which you\u2019ll 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\u2019ve got to work hard. It won\u2019t come easy. For anyone young or aspiring, there are no shortcuts.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With this initiative, the MCA carries forward Mumbai cricket\u2019s legacy by celebrating those who defined it and ensuring their stories continue to echo through every generation that follows.<\/p>\r\n\r\n