MCA announces statue to celebrate cricketing icon Dilip Vengsarkar
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced plans to install a life-size statue of former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The decision, which was taken during the Apex Council meeting held on October 8, recognises Vengsarkar’s remarkable contributions to both Indian and Mumbai cricket across his distinguished playing and administrative career.
“The Council has unanimously resolved to install a life-size statue of Dilip Vengsarkar at Wankhede Stadium in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian and Mumbai cricket,” the MCA stated in an official release following the meeting.
Vengsarkar, a stalwart of Indian cricket, represented the country in 116 Test matches and 129 ODIs, amassing over 10,000 international runs. Known for his elegant batting and consistent performances, he was also a key part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning squad and remains the only overseas player to score three consecutive centuries at Lord’s — in 1979, 1982, and 1986.
Beyond his playing career, Vengsarkar has served as vice-president of the MCA and as the chief national selector. Expressing his appreciation for the honour, he told The Times of India:
“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.”
A tribute rooted in cricket, community, and continuity
The upcoming statue will join those of cricketing greats Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar within the Wankhede Stadium premises — forming a growing tribute to Mumbai’s legacy of producing legends.
“Honouring Dilip 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,” said Ajinkya Naik, MCA president, in an official statement following the meeting.
He further added, “The decisions taken by the Apex Council reflect our commitment to both cricketing excellence and social responsibility.”
Alongside the tribute, the MCA reaffirmed its broader mission to strengthen the sport at the grassroots level. As part of a series of parallel initiatives, the association will set up MCA Cricket Academies across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to offer world-class coaching and facilities to young players.
“We are focused on strengthening the cricketing ecosystem from the grassroots. Setting up academies across the MMR and providing ground equipment to maidan clubs will help nurture the next generation of cricketers and ensure they have access to world-class facilities,” said MCA secretary Abhay Hadap in an official statement.
MCA links tribute with social impact initiatives
Reinforcing its civic responsibility, the MCA also announced a financial relief initiative aimed at supporting the farming community in Maharashtra affected by excessive rainfall this year.
“In a gesture of solidarity towards the farming community, the association has resolved to donate Rs 1 crore (approx. US$112.549K) to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and the Mumbai cricketers will collectively contribute ₹25 lakhs (approx. US$28.137K) towards the same cause,” the MCA confirmed in its official release.
The installation of Vengsarkar’s statue thus stands not only as a salute to an individual cricketing legacy but also as part of a larger vision — one that links sporting excellence with community upliftment and grassroots development.
