Ravi Shastri Stand unveiled at Wankhede as MCA honours cricketing legends

A stand named after former India cricketer Ravi Shastri was unveiled at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 9, as the Mumbai Cricket Association honoured several of its stalwarts. Alongside Shastri, legends like Diana Edulji, Eknath Solkar, and Dilip Sardesai were also recognised for their contributions to the game.

The ‘Shastri Stand’ was officially unveiled in a ceremony attended by cricket great Sunil Gavaskar and India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, among other prominent personalities. Additionally, stadium gates were named after Edulji, Solkar, and Sardesai, celebrating their lasting legacy in Indian cricket. Sardesai, notably, had an illustrious career, featuring in 30 Test matches and 179 first-class games.

An emotional Shastri addressed the gathering during the ceremony, expressing his gratitude and reflecting on his journey, making the occasion even more memorable for those in attendance.

“My wife is here, daughter is here, she never saw me playing… My sister is there, my nephew is there, everyone is present, I am glad, only one disappointment, my father, he was my hero, he is not present here today,” Shastri said as quoted by NDTV Sports.

“He watched every game from Garware pavilion end at that time, but he is upstairs, he will be proud that this has happened… There is one shot of mine on this Wankhede Stadium, you’ve hit sixes galore played over a span of 15, but that was against Australia, I hit Bruce Reed on top of the Ravi Shastri Stand, that is my favourite,” he added.

Edulji, a pioneer of women’s cricket in India, was also overwhelmed with emotion during the ceremony. A former player and Board of Control for Cricket in India administrator, she represented India in 20 Tests and 34 ODIs. Meanwhile, the families of Eknath Solkar and Dilip Sardesai, both of whom are no longer alive, were present on the occasion.

“It is big honour for me and all women cricketers. It’s a dream come true for me. It is a red letter day for me. I will never forget this day in my life,” said Edulji.