Will the Maharashtra Government Provide Land for a New MCA Stadium in Mumbai?

Mumbai, May 16 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis articulated on Friday that it is the responsibility of society to honor those who have brought pride to the nation.

"We must celebrate individuals who have made us proud," Fadnavis stated during the event to inaugurate stands at the Wankhede Stadium, dedicated to former ICC, BCCI, and MCA president Sharad Pawar, former Indian captain Ajit Wadekar, and recently-retired Test cricketer Rohit Sharma.

Chief Minister Fadnavis assured that the Maharashtra government would consider providing suitable land if the MCA submits a proposal for constructing a second stadium with a capacity of 100,000 in Mumbai. He expressed optimism that this new stadium could be ready by the time the MCA celebrates its centenary in four years.

During the event, the MCA unveiled the Sharad Pawar Stand, Rohit Sharma Stand, and Ajit Wadekar Stand, along with the MCA Office Lounge in memory of the late former president of the Mumbai Cricket Association, Amol Kale.

Kale, who took office after defeating former Indian cricketer Sandip Patil in the October 2022 elections, tragically passed away from cardiac arrest while attending the T20 World Cup in the United States for 2024.

During his leadership, the MCA made significant decisions, including matching the BCCI match fee for all its red-ball players for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

The late Ajit Wadekar, represented by his family at the event, was India's first ODI captain and led the Indian team to historic Test victories in West Indies and England in 1971. He played a total of 37 Tests and 2 ODIs between 1966 and 1974, making his first-class debut in 1958-59.

Sharad Pawar has been instrumental in the advancement of both Mumbai and Indian cricket as a capable administrator, significantly contributing to the sport's development as the President of the ICC, noted Fadnavis.

Fadnavis concluded by extending his gratitude to the cricketers and their families who have contributed to making Wankhede the epicenter of Indian cricket.

While acknowledging a delay in naming a stand after Wadekar, he expressed satisfaction that the initiative has now been realized and thanked the MCA governing body for facilitating it.

Fadnavis reminisced about Wadekar, who captained the Indian cricket team to series victories in England and the West Indies.

He also emphasized that Rohit Sharma deserves the accolades he has received, having led India to victories in two consecutive ICC tournaments. Fadnavis expressed hope to witness Rohit hitting a six into the stand named in his honor.