The historic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai’s iconic cricket venue, celebrated its 50th anniversary with lots of glitz and glamour.
Introduction
Every player, playing in Mumbai’s maidans as a child will have aspiration and a dream to play in Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium.
Most names associated with Mumbai Cricket from legends to prominent dignitaries were part of this mega celebration event on Sunday.
Established in 1974, Wankhede Stadium has witnessed numerous golden moments that have made this Stadium truly an iconic one.
The Wankhede Stadium Golden Jubilee celebration was a week-long affair that culminated in a glamorous evening paying tribute to Mumbai’s cricketing greats of the past and present.
The LEGENDS AT WANKHEDE 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 🫶🏻🎉 pic.twitter.com/DBgHUZWX0z
— Dr Khushboo 🇮🇳 (@khushbookadri) January 19, 2025
Over the years, Mumbai Cricket has been a dominating and successful domestic team in Indian cricket, with 42 Ranji Trophy titles.
Legends Grace the Occasion
Celebrities who graced the occasion among Mumbai players of the past and present included Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Dilip Vengsarkar, Ravi Shastri, Ajinkya Rahane, and Diana Edulji.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik hailed Wankhede Stadium as a “shining star of Indian cricket,” emphasizing the legacy of five decades. He also added that the Stadium is inseparable from Mumbai’s spirit and cricketing passion
Players from the Mumbai Team were called “Kadus” which reflects their fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude on the cricket field.
During the celebrations, the event included honouring former Mumbai team captains, the players of the inaugural first-class match held at Wankhede Stadium, and the groundsmen.
From hosting the 2011 World Cup final, nail-biting IPL matches, and Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell Test, Wankhede Stadium has truly seen it all.
Truly the Wankhede Stadium is one of the most loved Cricket Stadiums which has seen some iconic moments in its history.
Also Read: Top 10 Most Beautiful Cricket Stadiums in the World
Most memorable moments – Wankhede Stadium’s place in Indian cricket history
1975 | The First Internationals Test Match Wankhede Stadium
hosted its first international match in January 1975 – a West Indies vs India Test.
1985 | Ravi Shastri’s six sixes in an over
Ravi Shastri famously smashed six consecutive sixes off Tilak Raj in a domestic match against Baroda, marking one of the most iconic moments in Wankhede Stadium history.
Source: X
Known for a strong domestic team, Mumbai dominated the domestic circuit since cricket was played in Mumbai.
One of the iconic moments in Wankhede Stadium history was when Ravi Shastri hit six consecutive sixes of Tilak Raj against Baroda
1996 | First day-night match at Wankhede
Wankhede Stadium hosted its first day-night match in the 1996 Cricket World Cup group match.
The First Day Night at Wankhede #OnThisDay in 1996, Wankhede Stadium hosted its first day night match.
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) February 27, 2024
Australia won the match against India by 16 runs. Mark Waugh scored a hundred, Fleming took 5 fer but the local boy played the innings of the match.
pic.twitter.com/yabATjsdlF
2011 | World Cup win | Dhoni’s World Cup winning six and the mesmerizing commentary
MS Dhoni’s winning runs with a long on six that clinched the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup has to be one of the most iconic moments at the Wankhede Stadium history.
"2011 World Cup winning six by Dhoni is my favourite moment I called on commentary"
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) December 8, 2023
- Ravi Shastri pic.twitter.com/rmxGRbi3zk
2011 | Only the second draw with the scores level
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The third Test between India and the West Indies during the West Indies’ 2011 tour of India ended up in a draw. This was special because it was only the second time in Test history occurred at Wankhede Stadium that a Test match ended in a draw with scores level.
2013 | Sachin Tendulkar retires from international cricket
Source: X
Wanting to bring his mom to his final test, on the special request of God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, Wankhede Stadium hosted Sachin’s final game in his home ground.
2021 | Ajaz Patel’s all Ten
Mumbai-born, Ajaz Patel representing New Zealand did a perfect 10 taking all Ten Indian wickets at Wankhede Stadium.
2023 | Maxwell, 201*
Source: X
One of the best rescue acts which saved Australia from a humiliating loss against Afghanistan saw Glen Maxwell suffering from a bad injury had to play the entire innings on one leg. He scored a match-winning 201 runs.
2024 | Mumbai Wins 42nd Ranji Trophy
Source: X
Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy beating Vidarbha by 169 runs in the final. This was a record 42nd title, the most by any team.
Conclusion
The Mumbai Railway line considered lifeline of Mumbai on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other along the queen’s necklace make the Wankhede Stadium a truly special place for cricket.
Wankhede Stadium turning 50 is truly a special moment for all Mumbaikars and cricket fans.
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