Mumbai honours Shastri, Sardesai, Solkar and Edulji at Wankhede

Mumbai Cricket Association honoured legends Ravi Shastri, Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji at Wankhede Stadium. A stand was named after Shastri, while stadium gates were dedicated to the other icons, celebrating their contributions to Mumbai and Indian cricket

Hyderabad: In a moment etched in Mumbai cricket’s history, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Wednesday inscribed the names of cricketing stalwarts Ravi Shastri, Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, recognising their contributions to Mumbai and Indian cricket.

The honours were unveiled by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, as a stand was named after Ravi Shastri and stadium gates were dedicated to Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji.

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The ceremony was also attended by Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar, MCA President Ajinkya Naik, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar along with MCA Apex Council members, office-bearers, and members of the cricketing fraternity. The MCA also felicitated Suryakumar Yadav, the T20 World Cup-winning captain.

The Level 1 stand below the Press Box is now named the Ravi Shastri Stand, honouring a prominent figure in Indian cricket. A member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, Shastri’s contribution spans generations as a player, captain, coach, and commentator.

Gate No. 3, Gate No. 6, and Gate No. 5 will now be named the Dilip Sardesai Gate, Eknath Solkar Gate, and Diana Edulji Gate, respectively, marking the contributions of three legends from Mumbai. Sardesai, widely regarded as India’s ‘crisis man’, made significant contributions to the game with his consistency and dependability.

Solkar, regarded among the finest close-in fielders, played a key role in India’s success with his all-round skills and fearless approach. Edulji, a pioneer of women’s cricket, led the national side and later contributed significantly to the growth of the game as an administrator.

Unveiling the honours, Devendra Fadnavis said: “I want to wholeheartedly congratulate the Mumbai Cricket Association. It is a great way to celebrate our icons. This initiative, naming gates and stands after those who created history so that their memories and contribution to the game remain alive forever, is commendable. I believe that such an initiative can perhaps only happen at Wankhede Stadium through the MCA.”

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and former MCA President Ashish Shelar said: “First of all, I congratulate and commend the MCA for organising such a programme here. Our cricketing family, especially Mumbai cricket, which has enchanted the world, deserves to honour and respect such outstanding players in a proper manner. This thought was shared by all members of the MCA, especially Ajinkya and his colleagues, and today marks that golden day.”

MCA President Ajinkya Naik said: “Wankhede Stadium stands as the heartbeat of Mumbai cricket and a symbol of its enduring legacy. Honouring Ravi Shastri, Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji in this manner ensures that their contributions are permanently etched into Mumbai cricket’s rich heritage. This initiative reflects the MCA’s commitment to preserving our cricketing history while inspiring future generations. I sincerely thank the Honourable Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar for their continued support in strengthening the foundations of cricket.”

Ravi Shastri said: “It’s a privilege to receive it at the ground [Wankhede Stadium]. When you look at the names there, which you’ll see tomorrow—Tendulkar, Vengsarkar, Gavaskar, Sharma, and then, of course, the gates—it reflects an association rich in tradition. They win more than anybody else. So to get up there, you’ve got to work hard. It won’t come easy. For anyone who is young or aspiring, there are no shortcuts.”

Diana Edulji said: “It is indeed a great moment for me and my family to be standing here for the unveiling of the gate in my name. I would like to thank the MCA. The way they have treated women’s cricket and the players has been commendable. Over the last few years, both the current and previous Apex Councils have done a wonderful job in promoting women’s cricket and giving us the respect we deserve.”

The families of Sardesai and Solkar were present and expressed their appreciation to the MCA for the gesture.