It’s an incredible turnout for Indian cricket lovers as the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has finally decided to name a stand at the Wankhede Stadium after none other than Rohit Sharma himself. Much deliberation took place in the MCA’s Annual General Meeting on 15th April, 2025, regarding this proud recognition for Rohit with his immense contribution to Indian cricket, much of it due to the latest successful invocations of Team India – winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.
Appropriately, Wankhede Stadium is the birthplace of Rohit Sharma. When it comes to Mumbai, it is where this man’s cricketing journey started. The Divecha Pavilion Level 3 will now be named “Rohit Sharma Stand,” putting him in a rare category of modern-day cricketers honored. He now becomes part of an idolized list of Indian players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Vijay Merchant, all of whose names are inscribed on Wankhede Stadium.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik summed it up perfectly:
“These stands and this lounge will forever echo the legacy of those who built Mumbai’s cricketing spirit brick by brick, run by run.”
The MCA didn’t stop with just one tribute. They also announced:
- The Grand Stand Level 3 will be named after Sharad Pawar, former MCA and BCCI president.
- The Grand Stand Level 4 will be dedicated to the late Ajit Wadekar, who famously led India to Test series wins in the West Indies and England back in 1971.
- The MCA Pavilion’s match-day office will now be called the MCA Office Lounge, in memory of Amol Kale, the former MCA president who passed away recently.
By these moves, the MCA is signifying its values in tribute to the players who made great contributions to the game, both on the field and beyond. The Association also revealed another big announcement: the decision to increase funding support to local cricket clubs in Mumbai. The budget currently stands at ₹75 crores and is going to touch ₹100 crores shortly. This fund will go into the improvement of development facilities and infrastructure for the young, budding cricketers all around the city.
For Rohit Sharma, this is more than just a stand for posterity; it is more like an expression of his heritage and legacy, a reflection of his closeness with Mumbai cricket as well. It’s a moment to relish for all you fans seeing one of the heroes in your collection honored in more timeless manners.
