Last Updated:
Sunil Gavaskar will be honored with life-size statues at the new MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at Wankhede Stadium, opening in August.
Sunil Gavaskar is one of India’s greatest batters. (PTI Photo)
Legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar and former BCCI President Sharad Pawar will be honoured with life-size statues at the entrance of the new Mumbai Cricket Association’s museum, announced the governing body on Thursday.
The ‘MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum’ will be inaugurated in the second half of August and will be located at Wankhede Stadium, serving as a “tribute to Mumbai’s rich cricketing heritage and the legendary figures who have shaped its success”.
“At the museum’s entrance, visitors will be greeted by life-size statues of Shri Sharad Pawar and cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, who remains one of Mumbai’s and India’s most iconic sporting figures,” stated the MCA in a release.
“Gavaskar’s statue, in particular, stands as a symbol of excellence and dedication, inspiring aspiring young cricketers for generations to come,” it added.
Gavaskar expressed that he is “deeply touched and honoured” by the gesture.
“I am deeply touched and tremendously honoured that my mother Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to have a statue of mine at the entrance of the new MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at the Wankhede Stadium,” he said.
“I will forever be grateful to Mumbai Cricket Association for holding my hand as I took my first steps in the game and to the BCCI for then giving me the opportunity to spread my wings and fulfil the dream of representing my country in the sport.
“It’s an honour which I will cherish for the rest of my life,” Gavaskar added.
Apart from his role as BCCI president, Pawar has also served as president of the MCA and the International Cricket Council. He is currently the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
The museum will feature a collection of rare and iconic memorabilia donated by Mumbai’s cricketers, along with an audio-visual experience that “brings to life the stories, milestones, and memorable moments of Mumbai’s cricketing journey”.
MCA president Ajinkya Naik said, “The MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum is our heartfelt tribute to the stalwarts of Mumbai cricket and a testament to the visionary leadership of Shri Sharad Pawar. This museum stands as a living chronicle of Mumbai cricket’s unparalleled legacy, dedicated to preserving its rich history and inspiring future generations.”
“The statue of Shri Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s greatest cricketing legends, will serve as a powerful symbol of excellence and determination. His monumental contributions to Indian and Mumbai cricket will continue to motivate young cricketers to dream big and aim high,” he added.
(With PTI Inputs)
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses, features, live scores, results, stats and everything that’s cricket from all over the globe. Follow @cricketnext
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses, features, live scores, results, stats and everything that’s cricket from all over the globe. Follow @cricketnext
view comments
Read More
