The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), in a heartfelt tribute to one of India’s greatest cricketers, has also inaugurated a life-size statue of the legendary Mumbai batter Dilip Vengsarkar at the iconic Wankhede Stadium
This initiative not only celebrates his remarkable contribution to Indian cricket but also adds another chapter to the stadium’s rich history.
Vengsarkar, a past vice-president of the MCA, is being awarded on the basis of his immeasurable contribution in the city and country in the service of cricket.
On October 8, the MCA Apex Council meeting resolved to have the statue in place. President of MCA Ajinkya Naik celebrated the success and described Vengsarkar as being one of the greatest cricketing icons in Mumbai in an official statement.
“The Council has unanimously resolved to install a life-size statue of Dilip Vengsarkar at Wankhede Stadium in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian and Mumbai cricket,” stated the MCA, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“Honouring Dilip Vengsarkar with a statue at Wankhede is a tribute to one of Mumbai’s greatest cricketing icons, while our support for farmers and maidan clubs underlines MCA’s deep-rooted connection with the community,” Naik added.
Abhay Hadap, the body’s secretary, indicated that the local association intended to improve the level of grassroots cricket by establishing academies and top-tier facilities for future generations.
“We are focused on strengthening the cricketing ecosystem from the grassroots. Setting up academies across the MMR and providing ground equipment to maidan clubs will help nurture the next generation of cricketers and ensure they have access to world-class facilities,” Hadap commented.
Vengsarkar, who is 69, has already participated in 116 Tests with India. He has recorded 17 centuries, the most hundred at Lords by an Indian (3), and 35 half-centuries in the longest form. He is a 185 Test innings average of 42.13. Vengsarkar represented his nation in 129 ODs.
Aside from his many accomplishments, he was a member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning squad. The group recently unveiled a new statue of Sunil Gavaskar on the site of the venue. It already has a statue of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
