Wankhede Stadium Marks 50 Years: MCA Plans Spectacular Celebrations
Wankhede Stadium Marks 50 Years: MCA Plans Spectacular Celebrations
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is all set to throw big celebrations to honor the 50th anniversary of the iconic Wankhede Stadium. MCA president Ajinkya Naik announced that the festivities will kick off on January 12, 2025, and will culminate in a grand event on January 19, 2025, at the historic stadium. The event on January 19 will bring together Mumbai’s cricket legends, both past and present, for a spectacular gathering. The celebrations will include performances by well-known artists Avadhoot Gupte and Ajay-Atul, as well as a dazzling laser show.
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The stage is set! 🎉
— Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) (@MumbaiCricAssoc) December 19, 2024
Join us on January 19, 2025, as we celebrate 50 glorious years of Wankhede Stadium – a symbol of cricketing heritage in India 🏏#MCA #Mumbai #Cricket #Wankhede #BCCI pic.twitter.com/cHHamvjPVz
Additionally, a special 50th-anniversary logo has been unveiled, with plans for a commemorative postal stamp and a coffee table book to honor the stadium’s illustrious history, graced by cricketing icons like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. The MCA will also honor Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and former president Ashish Shelar, now a cabinet minister, on January 19.
Ajinkya Naik remarked, “Wankhede Stadium is a source of national pride, and reaching its 50th anniversary is a significant milestone for us. This stadium has witnessed countless unforgettable moments for both players and fans. With a week-long celebration and a grand evening event, we intend to honor its rich cricketing history and remarkable journey. At the MCA, we take great pride in celebrating the legacy of cricket and are eager to unite the entire cricketing community for this momentous occasion.”
Constructed in 1974, Wankhede Stadium has been the site of significant events in cricket history. It hosted Sachin Tendulkar’s last international match in 2013 and was the venue for India’s remarkable ODI World Cup victory in 2011. The stadium has been a witness to countless cherished memories in the sport.
MCA secretary Abhay Hadap stated, “Wankhede Stadium is cherished by cricket fans. The celebrations for its 50th anniversary are a significant event for both the MCA and the entire cricket community, and I invite all Mumbaikars to participate in the festivities.”
As part of the week-long celebrations, the MCA will host a cricket match on January 12 between MCA officials and Consul Generals, along with bureaucrats. Additionally, on January 15, the cricket association will hold a special lunch to honor the groundsmen of MCA’s clubs and grounds, recognizing the dedication and contributions of the unsung heroes of Mumbai cricket.
Tickets for the grand show on January 19, 2025, will be available on District by Zomato and Insider.in, starting at 4 PM (IST) on Thursday. Priced at 300, these tickets will allow fans to join in this historic celebration.
The MCA will also be celebrating Gavaskar’s 75th birthday soon. Ajinkya Naik mentioned that they plan to hold festivities for the legendary Sunil Gavaskar’s birthday once he confirms his availability.
