The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Thursday announced that legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and veteran administrator Sharad Pawar will be commemorated with life-size statues at the entrance of the upcoming MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum, located at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The museum is set to be inaugurated in the second half of August.
Although widely known as a prominent politician, Sharad Pawar has also had a long-standing association with cricket, having served in key roles such as president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the International Cricket Council (ICC). In recognition of his long-standing association with the game, a stand at the stadium was recently named after him, and now the cricket museum also bears his name.
“The MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum is our heartfelt tribute to the stalwarts of Mumbai cricket and a testament to the visionary leadership of Shri Sharad Pawar,” said MCA President Shri Ajinkya Naik. “This museum stands as a living chronicle of Mumbai cricket’s unparalleled legacy, dedicated to preserving its rich history and inspiring future generations. The statue of Shri Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s greatest cricketing legends, will serve as a powerful symbol of excellence and determination. His monumental contributions to Indian and Mumbai cricket will continue to inspire young cricketers to dream big and aim high.”
Gavaskar ‘deeply touched’ by the gesture
Gavaskar, a part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning squad, was the first cricketer to score over 10,000 runs in Test matches and remains one of the most respected figures in the game. Under his leadership, India won both the 1984 Asia Cup and the 1985 World Championship of Cricket. In an illustrious first-class career, he amassed over 25,000 runs.
“I am deeply touched and tremendously honoured that my mother Cricket Association has decided to have a statue of mine at the entrance of the new MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket museum at the Wankhede Stadium,” said an emotional Sunil Gavaskar. “I will forever be grateful to Mumbai Cricket Association for holding my hand as I took my first steps in the game and to the BCCI for then giving me the opportunity to spread my wings and fulfill the dream of representing my country in the sport. It’s an honour which I will cherish for whatever is the rest of my life.”
In addition to the statues, the museum will feature a rich collection of rare and iconic memorabilia donated by Mumbai cricketers. Visitors will also enjoy an immersive audio-visual experience that brings to life the city’s storied cricketing history.
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