Image Source: India Today
Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was recently honored with a life-size statue unveiled at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium. This significant event took place during the inauguration of the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum, marking a memorable tribute to one of cricket’s greatest opening batsmen. The statue not only celebrates Gavaskar’s illustrious career but also symbolizes his lasting impact on Indian and global cricket.
Key Highlights of the Unveiling and Museum Inauguration
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The statue was unveiled on August 23, 2025, outside the newly inaugurated MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
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Sunil Gavaskar expressed being overwhelmed by the unique honor and acknowledged the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) as a vital pillar throughout his early and professional cricketing journey.
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The museum spans over 8,000 square feet and pays tribute to Mumbai’s exceptional contribution to cricket, blending historical memorabilia with modern interactive exhibits.
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The MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum is set to open to the public from September 22, 2025, with ticket details and online booking options to be announced soon.
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Alongside Gavaskar’s statue, a life-size statue of Sharad Pawar, former BCCI and ICC president, greets visitors at the museum entrance, symbolizing Mumbai’s cricketing heritage and leadership.
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Among the museum’s exhibits are physical memorabilia, two of Gavaskar’s caps (from Mumbai and Dadar Union Sports Club), audio-visual experiences, and curated sections spotlighting Indian cricket’s heroes, women’s achievements, World Cup victories, and contributions of cricket administrators.
The Significance of the Statue and Gavaskar’s Reflections
The unveiling of Gavaskar’s statue is deeply symbolic as it celebrates his historic milestone of becoming the first player in Test cricket history to score 10,000 runs. This milestone was achieved during a test match against Pakistan in Ahmedabad in 1987, an achievement that Gavaskar recalled with fondness during the ceremony. He credited the support from teammates and the nurturing environment of Mumbai cricket as being critical factors behind his success.
Gavaskar spoke poignantly about the role of the Mumbai Cricket Association, describing it as a nurturing “mother” that supported him from his school cricket days through Ranji Trophy representation. He emphasized that the honor reflected the collective journey shared with his teammates from childhood, club cricket, and the national team.
Emotional Legacy and Connection to Indian Cricket
Despite having retired from professional cricket over four decades ago, Gavaskar revealed his emotional attachment to the Indian cricket team remains strong. He recounted discussions with current players like Cheteshwar Pujara and the persistent emotional highs and lows experienced whenever India wins or faces setbacks. This enduring connection emphasizes Gavaskar’s ongoing dedication to the sport and its future.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik highlighted that the statue represents not only a tribute to Gavaskar but also a celebration of Mumbai cricket’s rich heritage and continued dominance in domestic cricket. The unveiling follows the precedent set by the grand statue of Sachin Tendulkar introduced in 2023 during the ODI World Cup.
About the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum
The museum honors the tremendous contribution of Mumbai cricket to both Indian and world cricket. It carefully combines the nostalgia of historic cricket moments with innovative digital experiences, making it a modern hub for cricket fans and historians alike. It will be a destination for cricket enthusiasts to explore storied achievements, detailed archives, and inspiring narratives about players, administrators, and clubs.
The museum’s curated displays will feature India’s cricketing stalwarts, women’s cricket milestones, and historic World Cup triumphs, alongside interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. The MCA aims to support the development and growth of cricket through this educational and immersive experience.
In conclusion, Sunil Gavaskar’s life-size statue at Wankhede Stadium stands as a powerful symbol of his legendary career and Mumbai’s cricket legacy. The MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum will further cement this legacy by sharing stories of greatness and passion for generations to come.
Source: ANI, Business Standard
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