The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced on Friday that gates honoring Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji will be placed near a stand named after former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri at the renowned Wankhede Stadium.
Three separate venue entrances will be named after city players, while the stand will be named in honor of former Mumbai captain Shastri.
“The Apex Council approved a proposal to name Level 1 Stand below the Press Box at the iconic Wankhede Stadium after former India captain and renowned commentator Ravi Shastri, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket, both as a player and as a coach,” PTI quoted the MCA as saying.
The MCA’s apex council met in Mumbai to make the decisions.
Sardesai, who played 30 Test matches and 179 First-Class matches for India between 1960–61 and 1972–73, will have his name attached to Gate No. 3.
Edulji, who participated in 20 Test matches and 34 One-Day Internationals between 1976 and 1993, will have Gate No. 5 named after her.
In a same vein, Solkar, a former all-rounder and one of India’s top close-in fielders who played in 27 Test matches and seven One-Day Internationals, will have Gate No. 6 named after him.
“Mumbai cricket is built on the foundation laid by our stalwarts. It is our responsibility to honour those who have brought pride to the city and the nation. The proposal to name Level 1 Stand below Press Box after Ravi Shastri is a tribute to his immense contribution as a player, leader and coach. Similarly, dedicating gates at (the) Wankhede Stadium to Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar and Diana Edulji ensures that every fan who walks into the stadium is reminded of the legends who shaped our glorious cricketing heritage. These decisions reflect MCA’s commitment to celebrating its past while inspiring future generations,” PTI quoted MCA president Ajinkya as saying.
