The Mumbai Cricket Association is set to deliberate on proposals to name stands after cricket legends, including Rohit Sharma, at its April 15 Apex Council meeting.
April 8, 2025: India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma may soon join the elite club of cricketers with stadium stands named in their honour. According to a report by The Indian Express, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has received multiple proposals from club members to name various stands and areas within the Wankhede Stadium after cricket legends and past administrators.
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Among active international players, only Virat Kohli currently has a stadium stand named after him — at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, an honour bestowed in 2019.
The MCA’s Apex Council meeting on April 15 will include a formal discussion on naming the still-unattributed Grand Stand above the president’s box. Rohit Sharma, who led India to two ICC trophies within a year — the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy — is a top contender for this honour. If approved, it would be a historic recognition for the Mumbai-born batsman.
MCA president Ajinkya Naik confirmed the development, saying,
“There have been suggestions from members, and the final decision will be taken by the general body.”
🏟️ Other Contenders and Legacy Names at Wankhede
Alongside Rohit, several other legendary names are in the fray, including:
- Ajit Wadekar (former India captain)
- Eknath Solkar
- Dilip Sardesai
- Padmakar Shivalkar
- Diana Edulji (former India Women’s captain)
- Former MCA presidents like Sharad Pawar and Vilasrao Deshmukh
At present, Wankhede Stadium already honours many icons:
- Sunil Gavaskar (East Stand)
- Vijay Merchant (West Stand)
- Dilip Vengsarkar and Sachin Tendulkar (North Stands)
- Bal Thackeray (Media Gallery)
- Statue of Sachin Tendulkar (installed in 2022)
Former BCCI and MCA official Ratnakar Shetty has reiterated a long-pending demand to name a stand after Ajit Wadekar, noting his service as India captain and multiple-time Ranji Trophy-winning Mumbai leader.
“The Grand Stand above the president’s box, which remains unnamed, is ideal. Wadekar deserves this more than anyone else,” Shetty said.
🏏 A Matter of Legacy
Whether it’s Rohit Sharma, who brought India ICC glory as captain, or Ajit Wadekar, a pivotal figure in Mumbai and Indian cricket — the April 15 meeting could etch a new name into the Wankhede legacy.
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Rohit Sharma, Wankhede Stadium, MCA, Mumbai Cricket Association, Virat Kohli, Ajit Wadekar, Indian Cricket, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, T20 World Cup 2024, Cricket Stadium Stands, Sachin Tendulkar, Ajinkya Naik, Indian Express Report, Cricket Legends