MCA to install Dilip Vengsarkar’s life-size statue at Wankhede Stadium | Cricket News
Mumbai: The Mumbai Cricket Association has decided to install a life-size statue of former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The decision was taken at the MCA’s Apex Council meeting on Wednesday.“The Council has unanimously resolved to install a life-size statue of Dilip Vengsarkar at the Wankhede Stadium in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian and Mumbai cricket,” the MCA stated.“It’s a great honour for me. The MCA has given me a platform since the age of 12 when I played in my first Giles Shield tournament. I have always received tremendous support and encouragement from the MCA. Thanks to my Mumbai colleagues, coaches and well-wishers besides tremendous support from my family. My club Dadar Union and the Tatas too played a huge part in this process,” Vengsarkar, who was the chief national selector and MCA Vice-president in the past, told TOI.Vengsarkar is the only overseas batter to score three hundreds in successive Tests at the iconic Lords’ Cricket Ground-in 1979, 82 and 86. The 69-year-old, a veteran of 116 Tests, captained Mumbai in domestic cricket and was a member of India’s 1983 ODI World Cup-winning team Vengsarkar also has a stand named on him in the Wankhede Stadium.During his career, the ‘Mumbaikar’ amassed 6868 Test runs with a highest score of 166. He also played 129 ODIs in which he scored 3508 runs with a highest score of 105. The elegant former batter made his Test debut versus New Zealand at Auckland in 1976 and played his last Test against Australia at Perth in 1992. He has amassed 17868 runs in 260 first-class matches.MCA president Ajinkya Naik said, “The decisions taken by the Apex Council reflect our commitment to both cricketing excellence and social responsibility. Honouring Vengsarkar with a statue at Wankhede is a tribute to one of Mumbai’s greatest cricketing icons, while our support for farmers and maidan clubs underlines MCA’s deep-rooted connection with the community.” MCA secretary Shri Abhay Hadap said, “We are focused on strengthening the cricketing ecosystem from the grassroots.“
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Meanwhile, in a magnanimous gesture, the MCA has decided to donate Rs 1 crore to the farmers of the state affected by excessive rain this year, while Mumbai’s cricketers will contribute Rs 25 lakhs. “In a gesture of solidarity towards the farming community, the association has resolved to donate Rs 1 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and the Mumbai cricketers will collectively contribute ₹25 lakhs towards the same cause,” the MCA stated.To further encourage grassroots cricket, the MCA has enhanced the cricket promotion subsidy for maidan clubs to ₹10,000 per match. The association will set up MCA Cricket Academies across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to provide world-class training and infrastructure to promising young players. The MCA will also provide essential ground equipment to maidan clubs to support and improve the playing conditions at the grassroots level.
