MCA requests BCCI to allot more international matches to Wankhede Stadium

The Mumbai Cricket Association has formally requested the BCCI to consider scheduling a greater number of international matches at Wankhede Stadium in future home seasons. The appeal was placed before the cricket fraternity at the 95th Annual General Meeting held in Mumbai on Friday, September 19, 2026. The MCA emphasised that Wankhede Stadium remains a permanent Test centre with a strong history of hosting marquee international fixtures.

Unmesh Khanvilkar, MCA secretary, clarified that the request was not tied to any specific series but represented a broader appeal for increased allocation of matches to the venue. According to Khanvilkar, the timing of the request reflects the limited international cricket scheduled at Wankhede during the upcoming home season.

“The MCA sincerely thanks the BCCI for the international matches allotted to Mumbai over the years and for its continued confidence in the Association’s hosting capabilities. As the Wankhede Stadium is a permanent Test Centre with a proud history of successfully staging marquee international fixtures, MCA would be grateful if the BCCI could consider allotting a greater number of international matches to the venue in future programmes. We remain committed to providing the highest standards of facilities and match operations for players, officials, and spectators alike,” Khanvilkar was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Limited international fixtures at Wankhede in 2026-27

The request comes at a time when Wankhede Stadium’s international fixture list has contracted significantly. During the 2026-27 home season, the venue is scheduled to host only one international match: an ODI between India and Zimbabwe on January 9, 2027. The stadium has not hosted a men’s Test match since India played New Zealand from November 1 to 5, 2024.

Khanvilkar also raised the matter of advance notification regarding match scheduling. He stated that the Association would benefit from being kept informed whenever matches are scheduled at stadiums or venues located within its jurisdiction. This communication would assist MCA in addressing queries from its members and stakeholders and would help foster smooth coordination and cooperation among all concerned.

“The MCA would be grateful if, as a matter of courtesy, the Association could be kept informed whenever matches are scheduled at stadiums or venues located within its jurisdiction. Such communication would assist MCA in addressing queries from its members and stakeholders and would help foster smooth coordination and cooperation among all concerned,” Khanvilkar added in the letter.

Proposal for Under-17 Girls Cricket Tournament

Beyond the immediate fixture allocation, the MCA also placed a proposal for women’s cricket development before the BCCI. The Association requested the Board to consider introducing a structured Under-17 Girls Cricket Tournament at the national level. Such a tournament would provide an important competitive platform for young female cricketers and strengthen the talent development pathway.

“The MCA requests the BCCI to consider introducing a structured Under-17 Girls Cricket Tournament at the national level. Such a tournament would provide an important competitive platform for young female cricketers, strengthen the talent development pathway, and further support the growth of women’s cricket across the country.”

“We request the Board to give due consideration to the above matters and look forward to a positive response,” Khanvilkar concluded in his letter.

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