Mumbai Cricket Association to dedicate hospitality box to Sunil Gavaskar at iconic Wankhede

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to hand over the hospitality box at the iconic Wankhede Stadium to former India opening batter Sunil Gavaskar. The decision was confirmed by MCA on Sunday (3 October). The hospitality box would be handed over to the legendary cricketer on October 29. The MCA made this decision during the apex council meeting on Saturday (2 October).

Along with Gavaskar, even former BCCI selector Dilip Vengsarkar will have a stand named at North Stand in Wankhede Stadium. The cricket body will inaugurate the stand on the same day on October 29. This date is special as the Late Shri Madhav Mantri centenary year falls on this date. And on this special day, the MCA have decided to hand over the hospitality box to Gavaskar.

“MCA to keep the function of Late Shri Madhav Mantri centenary year on October 29. On the same day, MCA will handover (the) hospitality box to Sunil Gavaskar,” a member of the MCA Apex Council said according to Cricket Next.

The Dilip Vengsarkar North Stand is also set to be inaugurated on this special day. The MCA has made all arrangements and has invited Chief guest Shri Sharad Pawar and guest of honor G R Vishwanath. The member of the MCA apex council also said that both Gavaskar and Vengsarkar will be honored by the MCA colors.

Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar a legend in their own right

During his playing career, Gavaskar carved a niche for himself and has also left a rich legacy behind. The former India opening batter went to play 125 Tests for India since making his debut against West Indies in 1971. During his time, he faced West Indian and Australian fast bowlers without a helmet and played on unresponsive pitches, which used to spit venom.

Fondly known as the ‘Little Master’ Gavaskar was the rock of India’s batting lineup in the ’70s and 80’s. His vital knocks upfront enabled the team to win games against England, West Indies, and New Zealand. He finished his Test career with 10,122 runs in 125 games that he played from 1971 to 1987.

Meanwhile, Vengsarkar, who debuted in 1976 for India too had a glorious career. His vital knocks in the middle-order were a cornerstone of many of the team’s victories. He ended up scoring 6868 runs in 116 matches.