MCA Unveils Gavaskar Statue, Honours Sharad Pawar

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on 23 August 2025 paid tribute to Indian cricket legends by unveiling a statue of Sunil Gavaskar and inaugurating the Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. This initiative celebrates Mumbai’s rich cricketing heritage, honouring both a legendary cricketer and a veteran administrator who shaped Indian cricket from grassroots to governance.

Sunil Gavaskar: Icon Immortalized in Bronze

Life-Size Statue and Personal Reflections

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, often hailed as the original batting maestro of Indian cricket, was visibly moved by the statue installed just outside the museum’s entrance.

Calling Mumbai his “mother”, Gavaskar reflected emotionally on his early days in the city and his journey from school-level cricket to international glory. The statue features the iconic shot he played to reach 10,000 Test runs, a moment MCA chose to symbolize his cricketing legacy.

“Every time someone enters the museum, they will see this statue. That is very special,” said Gavaskar.

The Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum: A Tribute to Administration and Legacy

Honouring a Visionary Leader

The MCA also unveiled a statue of Sharad Pawar, former MCA and BCCI president, and named the newly inaugurated museum after him. The Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum showcases the contributions of administrators who helped professionalize cricket governance in India.

Exhibits and Local Flavour

The museum features,

• Artifacts from legends, including Bapu Nadkarni’s blazer and Rohit Sharma’s World Cup T-shirt
• A BEST bus and train section, reflecting Mumbai’s daily struggle and its link to cricket journeys
• A revived Kanga League library, preserving archival records of Mumbai’s iconic monsoon tournament
• This blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling aims to inspire young cricketers and preserve the city’s sporting culture.

The Dadar Union Cap: A Superstition and Symbol

Gavaskar’s Melbourne Memory

Gavaskar also shared an anecdote from the 1981 Test series in Australia, recalling how he wore his Dadar Union cap—not the Indian team cap—during a crucial match in Melbourne, which India famously won. The cap, he said, was “lucky” and a reminder of his roots.

The match was notable for Kapil Dev’s five-wicket haul, despite battling illness. Gavaskar’s story highlighted the emotional and psychological elements that define great sporting moments.