MCA Stand Names at Wankhede following Rohit Sharma, Cricket Greats

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) took the bold step to honor the cricketing greats' contribution by naming a stand in the name of Mumbai's own Rohit Sharma. This was the choice made at the association's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Rohit, famous for his unbelievable cricketing skills, such as leading India to World Cup wins, will now also have a stand named after him at the legendary Wankhede Stadium. The stand will be named the Rohit Sharma Stand and will be on Divecha Pavilion Level 3.

Apart from rechristening the stand in Rohit's name, the MCA has also resolved to rechristen other stands in the names of two other towering personalities in Indian cricket. The Grand Stand Level 3 was renamed the Sharad Pawar Stand in the name of Sharad Pawar, the erstwhile president of the MCA, who was attributed with constructing the future of Mumbai cricket. The Wankhede Stadium Level 4 will be renamed to the Ajit Wadekar Stand in honor of the late Ajit Wadekar, erstwhile India captain, who contributed significantly towards India's many winnings during years spent at his residence. This is a tribute to their enduring influence in Indian cricket as well as cricketing legacy at Mumbai.

The MCA's action also goes beyond the stands. A special tribute has been paid to Amol Kale, the late association president, by naming the match-day office at the MCA Pavilion the MCA Office Lounge in his honor. Amol Kale died in office as president, and this action ensures his work for the association and cricket is not forgotten.

One of the highlights of the AGM was the approval for an unprecedented hike in the corpus of the affiliated clubs. The MCA has brought in this fund to Rs. 75 crores and will continue to do so to Rs. 100 crores in the days to come. This decision is taken with a view to consolidating grassroot infrastructure and promoting the development of cricket in Mumbai at the grassroot level. The progressive agenda of the association is to nurture young talent and grow the game in the city.

Ajinkya Naik, the MCA president, explained the importance of these decisions while emphasizing that they are in accordance with the MCA's commitment to paying tribute to those individuals who constructed the success of Mumbai in cricket. Naik also reminded the gathering that the re-named stands and MCA Office Lounge would forever remind people of the legacies left behind by such cricketing heroes whose endeavors were continuing to cause the city's cricketing spirit to bloom further. He added a reference to the association's continuous endeavoring to create a healthier future for Mumbai cricket as well.

The efforts of the MCA towards keeping alive the history of cricket in Mumbai and building the infrastructure of the game are testament to the dedication of the association towards the game. These measures are telling of a vision higher than what is being done for the legends of the past and the stars of the future of Indian cricket. By investing at the grassroots level and recognizing those who have developed the sport, the MCA is ensuring that the cricketing legacy of Mumbai will continue for generations to come.