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MCA to honour former India captain Vengsarkar by unveiling statue at Wankhede Stadium

Shreyasi

Dilip Vengsarkar [Source: X/@ImTanujSingh]Dilip Vengsarkar [Source: X/@ImTanujSingh]

MCA has planned to install a life-size statue of Dilip Vengsarkar at the Wankhede Stadium. Former India team captain Vengsarkar who was also the vice-president of the association would be honoured for his contribution to India and Mumbai cricket.

The Mumbai Cricket Association took the decision of installing a life-size statue of former India cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar at their Apex Council meeting. The meeting of the MCA was held on October 8, Wednesday.

MCA to honour Dilip Vengsarkar at Wankhede Stadium

Vengsarkar represented India in 116 Tests scoring 17 centuries- three of which came at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground. In fact, Vengsarkar is the only overseas batter to have scored three hundreds in success Tests at Lord’s in 1979, 1982, and 1986. He also played 129 One Day Internationals scoring 3508 runs with the highest score of 105 and was part of the 1983 World Cup winning squad.

"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 said.

The stadium has a statue of Sachin Tendulkar. Recently, the MCA also unveiled a statue of Sunil Gavaskar inside the Wankhede premises. Ajinkya Naik, MCA president said,

"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."

Vengsarkar thanks MCA for providing a platform

Dilip Vengsarkar, former chief national selector thanked the association for such a great honour. He also recalled the Dadar Union and Tatas that had immense contribution in his career. Speaking to the TOI, former Mumbai captain told,

"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.”

Meanwhile, the MCA further to decided to strengthen the cricketing ecosystems at the grassroots. The are planning to set up academies across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to help the promising youngsters in the growth with world-class training programmes and infrastructures.