MCA Unveils Grand Celebrations To Mark 50 Years Of Iconic Wankhede Stadium

A special lunch for the unsung heroes of Mumbai cricket, the groundsmen managing the various cricket fields, a felicitation of all past and present cricketers from the city and a glitzy and grand Bollywood-style musical night -- these are some of the major events planned by the Mumbai Cricket Association to mark the completion of 50 years of the iconic Wankhede Stadium in January 2025. With the Wankhede set to complete a half-century of its existence, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is set to host grand celebrations to mark the occasion.

MCA president Ajinkya Naik announced on Thursday that the festivities will get underway on January 12 and culminate in a grand spectacle on January 19 at the historic stadium. The grand show on January 19 will witness an unparalleled gathering of Mumbai's domestic and international cricket legends—past and present. The event will also feature mesmerising performances by renowned artists Avadhoot Gupte and Ajay-Atul, capped by a breathtaking laser show.

At a press conference attended by MCA office-bearers and Apex Council Members, a special 50th-anniversary logo was unveiled to mark the occasion. MCA chief Naik further revealed plans to release a commemorative postal stamp and coffee table book on January 19 honouring Wankhede Stadium's rich legacy, which has been graced by cricketing legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and other decorated stalwarts.

The MCA will also felicitate the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis and Ashish Shelar, the former MCA President, along with the newly appointed cabinet minister in the Maharashtra government, on January 19.

Speaking on the occasion, Naik said, "The Wankhede Stadium is a national pride, and its 50th anniversary