December 19, 2024: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is all set to host a spectacular series of events to mark the 50th anniversary of Wankhede Stadium, one of cricket’s most iconic venues. The grand celebrations will kick off on January 12, 2025, and culminate with a magnificent show on January 19, 2025 at the historic stadium.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik made the announcement on Thursday, revealing that the January 19 event will feature a star-studded gathering of domestic and international cricket legends, both past and present. The evening will include performances by renowned artists Avadhoot Gupte and the musical duo Ajay-Atul, and will be capped off by a breathtaking laser show.
A special 50th-anniversary logo was also unveiled at a press conference attended by MCA office-bearers and Apex Council members, and plans for a commemorative postal stamp and coffee table book were announced. These will be released on January 19 to celebrate the stadium’s legacy. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ashish Shelar (former MCA President and current cabinet minister) will also be felicitated at the event.
Ajinkya Naik expressed immense pride in Wankhede’s rich cricketing history, calling the stadium a symbol of national pride. He highlighted that it has hosted numerous unforgettable moments, such as Sachin Tendulkar’s last international match in 2013 and India’s 2011 ODI World Cup victory. He added, “Through this week-long celebration and the mega evening event, we aim to honor its legacy and bring the entire cricketing community together.”
To further commemorate the stadium’s 50th year, the MCA will also organize several smaller events. A cricket match will take place on January 12 between MCA officials and a team of Consul Generals and bureaucrats, while a special lunch for the groundsmen will be held on January 15 to recognize the vital contributions of Mumbai’s cricketing unsung heroes.
Built in 1974, Wankhede Stadium has witnessed countless monumental moments, making it a central figure in India’s cricketing history. As part of the celebrations, the MCA is inviting all Mumbaikars to join in and be part of this historic occasion, underscoring the stadium’s importance to both local and international cricket fans.
The event promises to be a grand tribute to the glorious history of Wankhede, offering fans a chance to relive the memories of cricketing legends and iconic matches that have defined the stadium over the last five decades.
