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On 23 August 2025, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) paid a grand tribute to Indian cricket by unveiling a life-size statue of legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar and inaugurating the Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. This landmark initiative celebrates Mumbai’s deep-rooted cricketing culture and honours both a legendary cricketer and a visionary administrator who shaped Indian cricket from grassroots development to national governance.
Sunil Gavaskar: Icon Immortalized In Bronze
Life-Size Tribute to a Cricketing Maestro
The MCA installed a striking bronze statue of Sunil Gavaskar just outside the newly inaugurated museum. Known as India’s first great opening batsman and often referred to as the original batting maestro, Gavaskar expressed deep emotion during the unveiling.
In his address, Gavaskar reflected on Mumbai, calling it his “mother city” and reminisced about his journey from school cricket grounds to the international stage. The statue captures the iconic moment when Gavaskar reached 10,000 Test runs, symbolizing his unmatched contribution to Indian cricket. “Every time someone enters the museum, they will see this statue. That is very special,” Gavaskar said, highlighting the pride of leaving a lasting legacy in his hometown.
Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum: A Celebration of Cricket Administration
Honouring a Visionary Leader
Alongside Gavaskar’s statue, the MCA inaugurated the Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum, named in honour of Sharad Pawar, former MCA and BCCI president. Pawar’s tenure is celebrated for professionalizing cricket administration in India and fostering talent development from local levels to national teams.
Exhibits That Blend History and Modernity
The museum offers a rich experience for visitors, combining nostalgia with interactive storytelling:
Historic Memorabilia: Personal items from cricket legends, including Bapu Nadkarni’s blazer and Rohit Sharma’s World Cup T-shirt.
Local Culture Section: Features BEST buses and trains, highlighting Mumbai’s everyday commute and its connection to cricketers’ journeys.
Kanga League Archive: Preserves records from Mumbai’s iconic monsoon cricket tournament, emphasizing grassroots cricket culture.
This curation not only preserves the legacy of Indian cricket but also inspires young aspirants by connecting them to the city’s rich cricketing heritage.
The Dadar Union Cap: A Symbol Of Luck And Roots
Gavaskar’s Melbourne Memory
During the event, Gavaskar shared a nostalgic story from the 1981 Test series in Australia. He revealed that during a critical match in Melbourne, he wore his Dadar Union club cap instead of the Indian team cap—a superstition that he credits for India’s memorable victory.
The match is remembered for Kapil Dev’s five-wicket haul, despite battling illness, and Gavaskar’s anecdote emphasizes the emotional and psychological aspects that shape legendary sporting moments. The story also highlights the strong connection between local club cricket in Mumbai and international success.
Impact and Significance
The MCA’s initiative goes beyond mere commemoration it bridges generations of cricket fans. By celebrating both players and administrators, the statue and museum underscore:
The importance of preserving cricket history for future generations.
Recognition of administrative excellence alongside on-field achievements.
Inspiration for young athletes and local talent to pursue cricket professionally.
Wankhede Stadium now not only serves as a cricketing arena but also as a cultural and historical hub, strengthening Mumbai’s status as the heart of Indian cricket.
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