The iconic Wankhede Stadium will honor some of cricket’s biggest names, with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announcing on Friday that the stand will be named after former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri. Three wickets will also be dedicated to legendary Mumbai cricketers Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar and Diana Edulja.
The landmark decision was approved at the MCA Supreme Council meeting, a meaningful tribute to the players whose contributions have shaped Mumbai and Indian cricket across the eras.
The Level 1 stand located below the Press Box at the Wankhede will now bear Shastri’s name, recognizing his multi-faceted impact on the game across various roles – player, captain, commentator and coach.
“The Apex Council has approved the proposal to name the Level 1 stand under the press box at the iconic Wankhede Stadium after former Indian captain and renowned commentator Ravi Shastri, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket, both as a player and coach,” MCA said as quoted by PTI.
The tribute goes beyond Shastri, three gates of the stadium have been rechristened to commemorate other Mumbai legends who have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
Wicket No. 3 will bear the name of Dilip Sardesai, an elegant right-handed batsman who played 30 Tests for India between 1960-61 and 1972-73 and amassed 179 first-class appearances. Sardesai’s smooth stroke play and match-winning runs on India’s pioneering overseas tours cemented his place in cricket history.
Gate No. 5 will be named in honor of Diana Edulji, the trailblazer who paved the way for women’s cricket in India. Appearing in 20 Tests and 34 ODIs between 1976 and 1993, Edulji’s leadership and advocacy played a key role in promoting the women’s game across the country.
Gate No. 6 will commemorate Eknath Solkar, the versatile all-rounder hailed as one of India’s most brilliant close players. His 27 Tests and seven ODIs included crucial contributions during India’s memorable triumphs abroad in the 1970s.
MCA president Ajinkya Naik emphasized the importance of recognizing these stalwarts. “Mumbai cricket is built on the foundations laid by our stalwarts. It is our responsibility to honor those who have brought pride to the city and the nation,” he said, adding that the initiative reflects the association’s determination to preserve its rich legacy while motivating the upcoming generations of cricketers.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
27 Feb 2026 22:56 IST
