Sachin Tendulkar and Ajinkya Rahane Receive Wankhede Stadium Lounge Honours

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) cemented its commitment to honouring its cricketing stalwarts by announcing that designated lounges at the famed Wankhede Stadium will be named after batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, former India and Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane, and the late Madhav Mantri. The decision was formally adopted during the MCA's 87th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday, September 11, 2026, as confirmed by MCA President Ajinkya Naik. BCCI to Take Action Against Rohit Sharma Over Hosting TV Show? Fact Check Calls Claim False.

Honoring Legends

This initiative will see three prominent figures of Mumbai and Indian cricket etched into the very fabric of the stadium. While Sachin Tendulkar already has a stand named in his honour at Wankhede, this new tribute will add a dedicated lounge likely positioned closer to his statue within the Sachin Tendulkar Stand. The lounges for the late Madhav Mantri and Ajinkya Rahane are expected to be situated within the MCA Pavilion.

MCA President Ajinkya Naik stated, 'The AGM unanimously adopted the resolution proposing the lounges to honour three of our former captains.' To oversee the implementation, a three-member sub-committee has been formed. This committee includes MCA Vice-President Jitendra Awhad, Apex Council member Milind Narvekar, and Adv. Ujwal Nikam, tasked with demarcating the specific areas for these prestigious lounges.

Legacies Remembered

Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the 'God of Cricket,' needs little introduction, having played his 200th and final Test match at Wankhede in 2013, solidifying his deep connection with the venue. Ajinkya Rahane, who recently retired from professional cricket, has been a pillar for both Mumbai and India, leading both teams with distinction. Madhav Mantri, a former Test cricketer, also holds the unique distinction of being a multiple Ranji Trophy-winning captain for Mumbai and was the last Test cricketer to serve as MCA president. Ex-India Cricketer S Sreesanth's Father Passes Away Aged 89.

Grassroots Development Boost

In addition to honouring these cricketing icons, the 87th AGM also saw the MCA make another significant decision: the substantial increase of its grassroots development corpus. The association has committed to raising this fund from INR 100 crore to INR 500 crore over the next ten years. This enhanced corpus is designed to provide long-term financial stability and support to affiliated clubs, schools, and college gymkhanas for cricket development across Mumbai, ensuring a stronger foundation for future talent.

These decisions underscore the MCA's commitment to both preserving the rich legacy of Mumbai cricket and investing heavily in its future, ensuring that the contributions of its heroes are never forgotten and that new generations of cricketers are nurtured.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2026 11:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).