For Mumbaikars and veterans of the gentleman’s, Wankehede Stadium is an emotion. Since it first opened in 1974, this storied venue has been Mumbai’s primary cricketing venue. It was at Wankhede that India won the 2011 Cricket World Cup with a powerful match-cinching six from MS Dhoni that has cemented itself into cricket lore. The iconic cricket stadium is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a grand event on January 19.
Wankhede Stadium 50th Anniversary celebrations
Open to the public, this special celebration will see both former and current cricket legends relive historic moments that this seaside stadium in Churchgate has been the backdrop to. Hear Sunil Gavaskar recount how he made his memorable double-century against the West Indies and walk down memory lane with Sachin Tendulkar who grew up playing cricket on its pitch as a teenager.
Other icons gracing the event are Dilip Vengsarkar, Ravi Shastri, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav. The latter we’re sure will open a window into his split-second decision that resulted in the watershed catch which bagged the 2024 World Cup for India. India’s men’s and women’s international teams will also be present at the festivities.
Concerts, coffee table and commemorative stamp
While the cricketers will be knocking it out of the park with brilliant anecdotes, there are also live musical performances to look forward to. Composer duo Ajay-Atul and singer-musician Avadhoot will bowl audiences over with melodious reprises of hits like Zingaat, Chikni Chameli, and Apsara Aali.
Organised by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), the event aims to educate younger cricket fans about the men and women cricket players who played for Mumbai and contributed to Indian cricket. On the day, the MCA will also launch a commemorative coffee table book and issue a postal stamp honouring Wankhede Stadium.
Tickets to the event start at INR 300 per person, more info here