MCA Announces Grand Celebrations for Wankhede Stadium’s 50th Anniversary
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is gearing up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Wankhede Stadium with grand festivities. MCA president Ajinkya Naik announced that the celebrations will start on January 12, 2025, and end with a big event on January 19, 2025, at the historic stadium. The event will bring together Mumbai’s cricket legends, past and present, and feature performances by popular artists Avadhoot Gupte and Ajay-Atul, along with an impressive laser show.
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
A special 50th-anniversary logo has been unveiled, and plans include releasing a commemorative postal stamp and a coffee table book to honor the stadium’s history. Cricket greats like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar will be part of the celebrations. The MCA will also honor Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and former president Ashish Shelar, now a cabinet minister, during the grand event.
Ajinkya Naik said, “Wankhede Stadium is a national treasure, and completing 50 years is a proud moment. This stadium has been part of many unforgettable memories for players and fans. With a week-long celebration and a grand finale, we aim to celebrate its rich history and legacy.”
Built in 1974, Wankhede Stadium has hosted many historic moments, including Sachin Tendulkar’s last match in 2013 and India’s ODI World Cup victory in 2011.
MCA secretary Abhay Hadap added, “Wankhede Stadium is loved by cricket fans, and this 50th-anniversary celebration is a proud moment for everyone. We invite all Mumbaikars to join the festivities.”
The week-long celebration includes a cricket match on January 12 between MCA officials and Consul Generals, along with bureaucrats. On January 15, the MCA will host a special lunch to honor the groundsmen of MCA clubs and grounds for their hard work and dedication to Mumbai cricket.
Tickets for the grand finale on January 19 will be available on District by Zomato and Insider.in from Thursday at 4 PM (IST). Priced at ₹300, these tickets allow fans to be part of this historic celebration.
The MCA is also planning a celebration for Sunil Gavaskar’s 75th birthday. Ajinkya Naik mentioned that the details will be finalized once Gavaskar confirms his availability.