MCA To Unveil Dilip Vengsarkar Statue At Wankhede Stadium

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is set to install a life-size statue of former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar at Wankhede Stadium, making it the third statue at the venue after those of Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar. The cricketing legend, who amassed 6,868 runs in Tests and 3,508 in ODIs, was visibly moved when informed about the honor.

“This is an incredible moment for me, and I’m at a loss for words. MCA has given me everything and shaped me into the person I am today,” he told The Indian Express.

“I started my cricketing journey at the age of 12 and went on to play for various clubs, team. Mumbaigave me the platform and encouragement throughout my career. My journey is incomplete without my teammates, the Mumbai players whom I have played with. I’m really thankful to MCA for honouring me with a statue,” added Vengsarkar,

“Dilip Vengsarkar: From Indian Cricket Star To Visionary Selector And Administrator”

Besides playing 116 Tests and 129 ODIs, Dilip Vengsarkar also served as India’s chairman of selectors, where he notably identified Virat Kohli and fast-tracked him into the national team. He held key administrative roles as vice-president of the MCA and as a member of the BCCI Apex Council representing the Indian Cricketers Association.

Three years ago, MCA had also named a stand at Wankhede Stadium in his honor. To celebrate his contributions, MCA will hold a special function. MCA president Ajinkya Naik said:

“The Apex Council’s decisions reflect our dedication to cricketing excellence and social responsibility. Honoring Vengsarkar with a statue at Wankhede is a tribute to one of Mumbai’s greatest cricketing icons. His contributions to Mumbai and Indian cricket, as a player, selector, and administrator, are immense. Even today, he remains deeply connected to grassroots cricket and closely monitors emerging talent.”

In another initiative, MCA plans to set up cricket academies across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to provide top-class training and facilities to young players. Additionally, MCA will donate ₹1 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, while Mumbai cricketers will collectively contribute ₹25 lakh to support farmers affected by unseasonal rains in Maharashtra.