Rohit Sharma Stand Inaugurated At Wankhede Stadium

In a grand ceremony held on May 16, 2025, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) unveiled the Rohit Sharma Stand at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, paying tribute to the Indian cricketing legend following his recent retirement from Test and T20 cricket. The event also saw the inauguration of stands named after Ajit Wadekar and Sharad Pawar, commemorating their invaluable contributions to Indian cricket and cricket administration.

Why in News?

The MCA renamed four sections of the Wankhede Stadium on May 16, 2025, in honor of distinguished personalities in Indian cricket. The Rohit Sharma Stand was inaugurated shortly after his Test retirement on May 7, 2025, celebrating his legacy as a player and captain. The Sharad Pawar Stand and Ajit Wadekar Stand were also unveiled to recognize the roles played by the former MCA president and the late cricketing icon respectively.

Key Highlights

• Rohit Sharma Stand: Previously Divecha Pavilion Level 3, renamed to honor India’s 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy-winning captain.
• Sharad Pawar Stand: Grand Stand Level 3 renamed after the senior political leader and cricket administrator.
• Ajit Wadekar Stand: Grand Stand Level 4 renamed after India’s 1971 Test series-winning captain in England and West Indies.
• MCA Office Lounge: Dedicated to Amol Kale, former MCA president.

Significance of Rohit Sharma’s Contribution

• Hails from Borivali, Mumbai.
• Trained under Dinesh Lad.
• First Indian captain to win:
• T20 World Cup (2024) in USA & West Indies.
• Champions Trophy (2025) in the UAE.
• Retired from Tests and T20Is; continues to play ODIs.
• His emotional speech at the ceremony reflected his gratitude towards family, Mumbai Indians, and cricketing fraternity.

About Other Honorees

Ajit Wadekar

• Led India to historic wins in 1971.
• Former Indian captain and national coach.

Sharad Pawar

• Ex-president of MCA, BCCI, and ICC.
• Oversaw Wankhede’s hosting of 2011 World Cup final.

Amol Kale

• Former MCA president remembered through MCA Office Lounge dedication.

Static GK – Wankhede Stadium

• Located in South Mumbai.
• Capacity: ~33,000.
• Hosts IPL, ODIs, Tests.
• Site of the 2011 ICC World Cup final win for India.