Mumbai, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has been actively celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary Wankhede Stadium this week by paying tribute to the unsung heroes of cricket—the groundsmen. This special event, held on Wednesday, recognized the unwavering commitment of the groundsmen across its clubs and venues.

This occasion coincided with the Polly Umrigar Health Camp, which provided crucial health care services to these indispensable contributors to the game. Following the health camp, an engaging session was conducted with former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane and renowned physician Dr. Aadil Chagla, who offered valuable insights and fostered a sense of community, emphasizing the significance of the groundsmen in cricket.

Rahane shared his thoughts, stating, "During matches, every team anticipates a top-quality pitch and a well-tended ground. Yet, the relentless efforts of the groundsmen frequently go unnoticed. It’s simple to criticize, but few appreciate the labor behind their work. Today, the MCA has taken an admirable step. You, the groundsmen, are essential to Mumbai cricket. Regardless of the teams that play, your contributions will always be meaningful.”

The MCA organized a special ceremony and a celebratory lunch to honor the groundsmen for their tireless dedication.

Aaditya Thackeray, a member of the Maharashtra Assembly, graced the event as the chief guest and commended the groundsmen. "Wankhede Stadium has profoundly influenced cricket in our nation. Almost all elite players have played here at least once, whether in international or domestic matches. This stadium is cherished in Mumbai. Today, I am here to applaud the groundsmen as we celebrate Wankhede Stadium's 50th anniversary," he remarked.

MCA President Ajinkya Naik remarked: “The 50th anniversary of Wankhede Stadium is a significant milestone, and the groundsmen have been pivotal in our journey. They are the lifeblood of the stadium, and we are proud to recognize their efforts today. We are also privileged to host the members of the Mumbai team that participated in the inaugural first-class match at Wankhede Stadium in 1974. They are truly the jewels of Wankhede, and we hold them in the highest regard. We are thrilled to announce a cash reward of INR 10 lakhs for each surviving member.”

Moreover, the members of the Mumbai team that played in the first-class match at Wankhede Stadium in 1974, including Ajit Pai, Milind Rege, Padmakar Shivalkar, and Abdul Ismail, were honored for their contributions to the rich cricketing history at this iconic venue. All surviving team members received a cash reward of INR 10 lakh each. Former committee members were also recognized during the event.

The celebrations commenced earlier in the week on January 12 with a grand felicitation ceremony honoring former captains of both the men's and women's Mumbai cricket teams.

A grand show is scheduled for Sunday (Jan 19), for which tickets can be purchased via District by Zomato and Insider.in.