January 20, 2025: The 50th Anniversary celebration of the iconic Wankhede Stadium, held on Sunday, was a grand affair, concluding a week of memorable events. Hosted by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), the gala brought together cricketing legends, dignitaries, and players, both past and present, to celebrate the stadium’s remarkable legacy in shaping Indian cricket.
Wankhede, which opened its doors in 1974, has witnessed countless historic moments, including India’s victorious 2011 World Cup campaign. On this special evening, the likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Dilip Vengsarkar, Ravi Shastri, Ajinkya Rahane, and Diana Edulji were among the stars who shared their appreciation for the stadium’s pivotal role in their careers. Mumbai’s legendary men’s and women’s cricketers, from domestic to international levels, also attended the event, reflecting on the city’s rich cricketing legacy.
The evening, hosted by Mandira Bedi and Prasanna Sant, featured stunning performances by renowned artists Avadhoot Gupte and Ajay-Atul, a mesmerizing laser show, and heartfelt speeches. The event also marked the release of a commemorative coffee table book and a special stamp celebrating the history of Wankhede Stadium.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik praised the stadium’s legacy, calling it a “shining star” of Indian cricket, and spoke about how it would continue to nurture cricketing excellence for decades to come. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also sent his congratulations to the MCA and its fans for the milestone.
Throughout the week leading up to the gala, various events were held, including the felicitation of former Mumbai cricket captains, players from the inaugural 1974 first-class match at Wankhede, and the groundsmen, alongside other community activities such as friendly matches and special lunches.
The golden jubilee celebrations of Wankhede Stadium, marked by the presence of cricketing greats and new talents, not only honored its storied history but also set the stage for an exciting future for Indian cricket.