Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium was the venue where Vinod Kambli first announced his arrival in international cricket, some 31 years back. After making his Test debut at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Kambli took the world by storm in just his third Test – vs England at the Wankhede Stadium in 1993.
The Mumbai southpaw smashed a brilliant 224 off 411 balls with 23 boundaries as India defeated the Englishmen by an innings and 15 runs. Kambli went on to score back-to-back double centuries, adding a brilliant 227 in the next Test in Delhi against Zimbabwe.
Kambli’s 224 remains the third-highest Test score ever-made at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai after former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd’s 242 not out and Virat Kohli’s 235 against England in 2016.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) have now announced on Thursday plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Wankhede Stadium from January 12 to 19. It remains to be seen if Kambli will be invited for celebrations at his home ground next month.
Kambli was recently seen in Mumbai with his childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar at an event to celebrate their late coach Ramakant Achrekar’s birthday. A video of Kambli and Tendulkar went viral on social media where the former was looking very frail and weak after years of alcohol abuse.
Two friends, same talent: one a legend admired globally, the other a story of what could’ve been. Sachin Tendulkar thrives as a role model, while Vinod Kambli fades away. Talent gets you started, but discipline keeps you going. Choose wisely.
— Godman Chikna (@Madan_Chikna) December 3, 2024
A special logo was unveiled by the association here at the stadium during a function by the MCA officials and its apex council members. “Built in 1974, Wankhede Stadium stands as one of the world’s most iconic cricketing venues, having witnessed monumental moments in cricket history. From Sachin Tendulkar’s final international match in 2013 to India’s historic 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, the stadium has been home to countless memories,” the governing body said.
There will be multiple functions on different days to mark the celebrations while a special postal stamp will also be released. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and former MCA president and ex BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar will also be felicitated during the eight-day event.
A cricket match will be held between MCA officials and Consul Generals and government officials on January 12. “We are going to felicitate all the MCA groundsmen and host a lunch for them because they are like unsung heroes. There are also a few others like security people of the MCA who have been working for long time and the MCA staff, we are going to felicitate everybody on January 15,” president Ajinkya Naik said.
A coffee table book will be launched on January 19 along with a music show from Ajay-Atul. Since free entry cannot be facilitated owing to anticipation of a big crowd turnout as witnessed in the past, the fans will have to purchase tickets priced at Rs 300 for the event, which will also have several current and former Mumbai and India players along with Bollywood celebrities on January 19.
Meanwhile, Naik also confirmed that the governing body will celebrate legendary Sunil Gavaskar’s 75th birthday after a date is confirmed.
