In a major development, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), on Thursday, announced the establishment of two life-size statues to honor the Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar and veteran administrator Sharad Pawar. The statues will be built outside the entrance of the MCA museum, which is due to open in the month of August. 

Set to open at some point during August, the museum will give viewers a deep dive into the city's glorious cricketing past and honor those who played an instrumental role in redefining the legacy of Mumbai cricket. The key figures who are held in very high regard while speaking of cricketing excellence within MCA are none other than Gavaskar and Pawar.  Their contribution to the game, both at the national and international levels, can't be overlooked.  

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MCA set to pay tribute to their cricket warriors

In a recent statement released by the MCA, the governing body confirms the deployment of the life-size statues and the entrance of the museum once it becomes operational later this month.  The statement reads as follows.  

"At the museum's entrance, visitors will be welcomed by life-size statues of Shri Sharad Pawar and cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, who remains one of Mumbai's and India's most iconic sporting figures."

Moreover, MCA president Ajinkya Naik took the opportunity to address the two sporting icons on a more personal level. While lauding the rich legacy of the duo, Naik commented that these coveted statues embolden the visionary mindset and cricketing prowess of the two individuals and will serve as a source of inspiration for countless generations to come. 

"Heartfelt tribute to the stalwarts of Mumbai cricket and a testament to the visionary leadership of Shri Sharad Pawar. The statue of Shri Sunil Gavaskar, one of India's greatest cricketing legends, will serve as a powerful symbol of excellence and determination. His monumental contributions to Indian and Mumbai cricket will continue to motivate young cricketers to dream big and aim high."  

Gavaskar gave his immediate reaction to this development and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the MCA for honoring him in such a prestigious manner. 

"I am deeply touched and tremendously honoured that my mother Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to have a statue of mine at the entrance of the new MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at the Wankhede Stadium."

Both Gavaskar and Pawar are well-known figures within Mumbai's cricketing circuit. Gavaskar, with 35 international centuries and 81 FC centuries, is one of the finest batting talents ever to be produced in world cricket. As for Pawar, the veteran cricket personality serves as the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) and has also served in top administrative roles for the MCA, BCCI, and the International Cricket Council (ICC). 

In a big domestic transfer, former India opener Prithvi Shaw has officially switched to the Maharashtra cricket team for the next 2025-26 season. The Maharashtra Cricket Association made the confirmation on July 7, with the association revealing that Shaw had received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association last month.

Shaw, aged 25, broke an old relationship with Mumbai after he was withdrawn from their Ranji Trophy team last season for disciplinary issues. Though he played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final in December 2024 to lead Mumbai to a title win he has since stayed out of domestic limelight. The move to Maharashtra marks a new beginning for the gifted right-hand opening batsman, who was touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket after his debut Test century in 2018.

In a letter to the MCA, Shaw thanked the association for their support through the years. "At this juncture in my career, I feel that becoming part of the Maharashtra team will make me a better cricketer still. I'm deeply thankful to the Mumbai Cricket Association for the chance and the support I have had," Shaw stated.

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From Mumbai to Maharashtra: Shaw Seeks New Beginning After Rocky Period

He said joining a forward-thinking team with the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ankit Bawne, Rahul Tripathi, Rajneesh Gurbani, and Mukesh Choudhary would have a good influence on his cricketing career. Shaw's transfer comes when he is seeking to rekindle his career following a series of setbacks ranging from injuries, fitness issues, and a slump in form. Interestingly enough, he remained unsold during the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Maharashtra Cricket Association president Rohit Pawar also expressed a warm welcome to the addition, saying, "We are excited to have a player of the caliber of Prithvi Shaw. His experience in international and IPL cricket will be very useful for our team, especially in guiding young players."

As Shaw starts anew, Mumbai and Maharashtra fans alike will be looking closely to determine whether the talented opener can revive the magic that once saw him rocket to national fame.

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal will continue his domestic journey with Mumbai, after the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed on Monday that it has accepted the withdrawal of his No Objection Certificate (NOC) request.

Earlier this year, Jaiswal had surprised many by seeking an NOC from the MCA to shift base to Goa, citing personal reasons. It was widely speculated that the move was driven by the prospect of a leadership role in the Goan setup, a claim Jaiswal later echoed in an interview, saying the opportunity to captain the side and help them progress in the tournament had appealed to him.

However, just weeks after that request, the young southpaw had a change of heart. In a formal letter to the MCA, Jaiswal clarified that the family-related plans prompting the move had been curtailed, and he had neither submitted the NOC to the BCCI nor the Goa Cricket Association. “I sincerely request MCA to allow me to play for Mumbai this season,” he wrote.

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Jaiswal withdraws NOC request, set to play for Mumbai this domestic season

The MCA’s Apex Council approved the withdrawal on Monday. “Yashasvi has always been a proud product of Mumbai cricket. We have accepted his withdrawal application, and he will be available for Mumbai in the forthcoming domestic season,” MCA President Ajinkya Naik confirmed.

Jaiswal has represented Mumbai since his Under-19 days and remains one of the state’s brightest talents. He last featured for the team during the Ranji Trophy clash against Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year.

Currently, the 22-year-old is part of India’s squad for the ongoing five-match Test series in England. He got off to a flying start in the Headingley Test with a century in the first innings, although his fielding drew attention after four dropped catches, three in the first innings alone.

Had he followed through with the move to Goa, Jaiswal would have joined the likes of Arjun Tendulkar and Siddhesh Lad, who also shifted states in search of better opportunities. But for now, Mumbai fans can breathe easy, Jaiswal is staying home.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has given cricketer Prithvi Shaw a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play for another state as a professional player in the upcoming domestic season. Shaw had formally requested the NOC earlier in the day, and after proper discussion, the MCA decided to grant it.

Last year, Shaw was dropped from the Ranji Trophy match by Mumbai's senior selection committee due to poor fitness. He was given a two-week fitness plan by MCA trainers. The team management had informed the MCA that Prithvi Shaw had 35 percent body fat and needed intense training before he could return to the team.

Prithvi Shaw wrote a letter to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), saying, “At this point in my career, I have received a better opportunity to play professional cricket for another state association. I believe this will help me grow and improve as a cricketer. Therefore, I kindly request you to issue me a No Objection Certificate (NOC), so that I can officially play for the new state association in the upcoming domestic season.”

The MCA later confirmed that they had accepted Shaw’s request and granted him the NOC. Last year, Shaw was dropped from the Mumbai team for a Ranji Trophy match due to poor fitness. The team management informed the MCA that Shaw was overweight and had 35 percent body fat. He was advised to undergo a two-week training program, but his fitness did not improve. As a result, he was also left out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024 squad.

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Shaw has played 5 Test matches, 6 ODIs, and 1 T20I for India. In Test cricket, he has scored 339 runs at an average of 42.37, including one century and two half-centuries. In ODIs, he has scored 189 runs at an average of 31.50. In his only T20I match, he got out without scoring. Shaw last played a List-A match in India during the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2022. In the last domestic season, he played for the English county team Northamptonshire in the ODI Cup and scored 97, 72, 9, 23, and 17 in five innings.

🚨 MCA GRANT NOC TO PRITHVI SHAW 🚨

- Shaw will represent a new state in the coming Domestic season. [Devendra Pandey From Express Sports] pic.twitter.com/evm7535OXz

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 23, 2025

MCA Secretary Abhay Hadap said that Prithvi Shaw has been an exceptional talent and has contributed a lot to Mumbai cricket. The association respects his decision and wishes him the best for the future. In its official statement, MCA also appreciated Shaw’s contributions over the years and extended best wishes for his continued success.

Shaw, who is 25 years old, was dropped not only due to fitness issues but also because of concerns about his discipline. He missed the remaining Ranji season after being left out. His last match for Mumbai was in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy against Madhya Pradesh, where Mumbai won by five wickets. Throughout the season, his fitness and behaviour were criticized by MCA officials. Even Shreyas Iyer, who led the team to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, seemed slightly unhappy with Shaw’s attitude.

As per recent reports, former India U-19 superstar and Test opener Prithvi Shaw has approached the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC), expressing his desire to leave his state team. Shaw has formally conveyed his wish to represent another state team in domestic cricket as a ‘professional’ player. However, this is an evolving story, and details of his move to his preferred state are still unknown. 

According to The Indian Express, an inside source from MCA confirmed the receipt of his NOC request, and a decision is likely to be taken in due course. 

“He has sought NOC from us and we will take a decision on it soon.”

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Forecasting Shaw's next possible move after the MCA exit

It is believed that Shaw is currently in close contact with three other state teams, who had previously expressed their desire to have him in their ranks. The names of those three state teams are hidden from the general public as of now. But details will emerge gradually as days roll by. Shaw's decision to move to another state came following his troublesome stint with MCA. The youngster's form had alarmingly dropped, while on the contrary, his weight surged to an exponential level.

As a result, he was dropped from the state team and did not feature in any of their games in the Vijay Hazare trophy or SMAT in the last season. In a bid to get him back on track, the selectors urged him to undergo a particular two-week fitness course. But the results weren't positive, as it was reported that the 25-year-old had a 35% fat content in his body. This resulted in Shaw's eventual snub, compelling him to seek viable alternatives elsewhere.  

Prior to his stark decline in form, Shaw was considered an exceptional performer both at the domestic and international level. In his prime years, Shaw scripted some eye-catching performances in red-ball cricket, the most famous of which was his iconic 237 against the West Indies on debut, followed by a well-compiled 98 against New Zealand. 

Shaw would also go on to fare exceptionally well in the One-Day Cup, England's domestic List-A competition. In the 2023 season, while playing for Northamptonshire, Shaw stunned the world by smashing a record-breaking 244 off 153 balls against Somerset, which became the second-highest individual score in the history of English county history. He continued his sublime form thereafter and followed it up with a match-winning 125* against Durham.

Former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi has urged the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to honor former India all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri by naming a part of the Wankhede Stadium after him. In May, the MCA unveiled stands named after cricket stalwarts such as Rohit Sharma, Ajit Wadekar, and Sharad Pawar. Despite Shastri's considerable contribution to Indian cricket, Hattangadi was surprised to learn that there wasn't a single mention of his name.

Hattangadi took the initiative to write directly to the MCA, urging the body to reconsider. He stressed that Shastri's impact was much greater than numbers or averages; it was the culture of modern Indian cricket and their success. Such recognition at Wankhede would, in Hattangadi’s view, preserve Mumbai’s rich cricketing legacy and inspire future generations.

Urging MCA to Reconsider the Oversight

“I must express my surprise and concern at the omission of Ravi Shastri, former India captain, all-rounder, and national coach, from the list of names commemorated at the stadium. His legacy is well known—not just the iconic feat of hitting six sixes in an over in a first-class game, following in the footsteps of Sir Gary Sobers, but also for his impactful career as a player and his significant role in shaping modern Indian cricket as a coach,” Hattangadi wrote to MCA President Ajinkya Naik, as per The Times of India.

“This omission, intentional or not, overlooks a major chapter in Mumbai and Indian cricket’s story. I do not wish to delve into statistics, as Shastri’s legacy is not just in numbers but in the influence he has had on the game—both on and off the field,” he added.

Hattangadi also called for a re-examination of the oversight in not naming anything after Shastri at the iconic Mumbai venue while emphasizing his tremendous impact on Indian and Mumbai cricket requires such recognition.

“As someone who deeply respects the administration and its role in preserving the sport’s heritage, I urge the MCA to re-examine this oversight. A richer understanding of cricket’s history and the personalities that shaped it will only strengthen our future,” Hattangadi wrote.

Hattangadi concluded, “As someone who deeply respects the administration and its role in preserving the sport’s heritage, I urge the MCA to re-examine this oversight... This is an observation and not a political statement.”

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Ravi Shastri appeared in 80 Tests and 150 ODIs for 6,938 runs and 280 wickets. He was a part of India's victorious World Cup side in 1983 and was the Player of the Tournament at the 1985 World Championship. He also became one of two men to join Sir Garry Sobers in hitting six sixes in an over during a Ranji Trophy match. 

In his capacity as coach, he oversaw historic Test series wins in Australia (2018-19 and 2020-21) and also led a team to the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup. His ambassadorship as a focal figure of Indian cricket remains in the foreground of sport both on and off the field.

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) made a much-anticipated announcement today (May 24) about the official ticket sales for T20 Mumbai League, one of Mumbai's most popular franchise-based twenty-twenty tournaments, which is set to commence its third season after a six-year break.

The high-voltage tournament is set to take place from June 4 to 12 across two iconic venues in the country—Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium. The official ticket selling process has just begun, and the price starts from INR 100 only. The prices of the tickets depend on the category.

The highest price of a ticket is INR 400 for the Garware Pavilion Level 2. People can buy their tickets in the District by Zomato. To make this season's tournament more attractive, MCA has attached some extra star power with the league.

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Daily dose of entertainment with extra star-power

Fans can spot India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, and Prithvi Shaw on the ground. Mumbai's own young talents, like Musheer Khan and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, will also feature in the league.

🚨 T20 MUMBAI LEAGUE TICKETS 🚨

Fans can buy T20 Mumbai League tickets from District by Zomato app, starting with 100 rs.

Matches will be held at Wankhede stadium & DY Patil Stadium from June 4 to 12.

Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube & Prithvi Shaw… pic.twitter.com/EKDZOWA4xI

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 24, 2025

A total of 8 teams— North Mumbai Panthers (Horizon Sports India Private Limited), ARCS Andheri (Arcs Sports & Entertainment Private Limited), Triumph Knights Mumbai North East (Transcon Triumph Knights Private Limited), Bandra Blasters (Pk Sports Ventures Private Limited), Eagle Thane Strikers (Eagle Infra India Ltd.), Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs (World Star Premier League LLP), SoBo Mumbai Falcons (Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd.), and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals (Royal Edge Sports & Entertainment)—will battle for the title. The tournament will contain a total of 23 matches. 

The first look of the newly named Rohit Sharma Stand at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium was leaked online on May 16, 2025, just hours before its official unveiling by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The stand, in India's and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma's honor for his incredible contributions, among them five titles with MI in the IPL, was announced by the MCA in April 2025, and its pictures have now emerged on social media to create a buzz among cricket followers.

The pictures leaked show the stand at the northern end of Wankhede, and it has a clean design with Rohit's name above a silhouette of his batting stance against a blue-and-gold color that is the team colors of the Mumbai Indians. The dedication acknowledges Rohit's heritage, having scored 402 runs in 11 international matches in the stadium and having initiated chants of "Mumbai cha Raja." The dedication is to be inaugurated at 3:00 PM IST on May 16, 2025, and will be attended by MCA president Ajinkya Naik and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, with the timing awareness that the IPL 2025 will restart on May 17 after a week's break following the India-Pakistan tensions.

A Tribute to Cricketing Legend of Mumbai

Rohit joins an elite group of Mumbai cricketing legends on the honors board and has now joined all the other players who have had stands named after them at Wankhede, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Vijay Merchant, and Dilip Vengsarkar. Social media fans have welcomed the stand with glee, pronouncing it a "fitting tribute" to Rohit's career, although some criticized the MCA for the leak, claiming it took away the surprise factor of the official announcement.

First View of Rohit Sharma stand❤️ pic.twitter.com/bGsvr3Fz7x

— Tata IPL 2025 Commentary (@IPL2025Auction) May 16, 2025

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The leak comes at a time when Mumbai Indians are building up towards their IPL 2025 match against Delhi Capitals on May 21 at Wankhede, where Rohit Sharma's team, placed fourth with 14 points from 12 games, is chasing to make it into the playoffs. The Rohit Sharma Stand will be a permanent memorial at this iconic venue, inspiring future generations of players and fans as Wankhede continues to stage marquee games.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is set to honor India captain Rohit Sharma by naming a stand after him at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on May 16, 2025, as announced during the MCA’s Annual General Meeting on April 15, 2025.  The MCA is fortunate to follow such a recognized path and honor Rohit Sharma for his fine contributions to Mumbai and India throughout his career, including his five IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians and 402 runs at the stadium in international cricket. The announcement was made a day before IPL 2025 resumes on May 17 and is likely a highly emotional decision, especially getting to honor Rohit Sharma.

Wankhede Stadium has a special place in the history of the game, and Mumbai cricket has always honored their great players since 1975, which has established a stand at the Wankhede Stadium with the names of the great Mumbai cricketers who played. As noted by MCA president Ajinkya Naik, "Those stands represent the legacy of those who built Mumbai's cricketing spirit - brick by brick, run by run." Rohit, aptly known as the "Mumbai cha Raja" (King of Mumbai), is a point of pride for the city and its fans, and having Daniel mention his journey to the ground that scripted many moments (especially iconic ones) is a fitting tribute. Here is the list of Mumbai Legends Stands at Wankhede.

Sachin Tendulkar

The Sachin Tendulkar Stand recognizes the "Master Blaster," who scored 34,357 international runs with 100 international centuries, a record. Tendulkar, the greatest Mumbai-born cricketer, scored his last international run at Wankhede in 2013, against South Africa. His stand is dedicated to his unmatched legacy in Indian cricket.

Sunil Gavaskar

The Sunil Gavaskar Stand commemorates the "Little Master," who first reached 10,000 Test runs and who finished with 10,122 Test runs in 125 Tests. Gavaskar is also a Mumbai boy, and his double-century of 205 runs against the West Indies at Wankhede in 1978 is memorable. His stand is fitting for Indian batting's leading light.

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Vijay Merchant

The Vijay Merchant Stand pays tribute to the Mumbai great who scored 3,597 runs in 10 Tests, averaging 47.72. Merchant, who was technically brilliant, was also instrumental in Mumbai's wealth and strength in domestic cricket, and now he has a stand at Wankhede Stadium, which signifies his contribution to the cricketing history of the city.

Dilip Vengsarkar

The Dilip Vengsarkar Stand pays tribute to the ‘Colonel,' who made 6,868 runs in Tests, inclusive of three centuries at Wankhede Stadium. A Mumbai stalwart whose elegance set the tone for an entire era of Indian cricket, the stand is named after Vengsarkar to acknowledge his impact on Mumbai cricket.

With Rohit Sharma now part of this group, Wankhede Stadium continues to stand as a temple of Mumbai cricket, serving as inspiration for future generations of cricketers to carry the mantle of these legends.

The T20 Mumbai League 2025 is returning after six years with a bang. The thrilling competition will be played between May 26 and June 8 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Promoted by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), the league is famous for providing opportunities for young cricketers to establish themselves and gain experience from stars.

Eight icon players have been signed by the MCA this year, and they have all played for India. They are among the best and most successful Mumbai cricketers. They include Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, and Tushar Deshpande.

Coming back with such stalwart names, the league will inspire budding cricketers and thrill the audience, says MCA President Ajinkya Naik. He is confident that these legends are the real ambassadors of and pass on the true spirit and legacy of Mumbai cricket and will guide young talent through the tournament.

🚨 THE ICON PLAYERS OF MUMBAI T20 LEAGUE 🚨

Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Prithvi Shaw. [Gaurav Gupta from TOI] pic.twitter.com/8HXRFNn8Gj

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 28, 2025

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Eight Franchises, Mentorship, and Huge Player Response

 There will be eight teams in the ongoing season, two of which will be new. All the teams are North Mumbai Panthers, ARCS Andheri, Triumph Knights, Namo Bandra Blasters, Eagle Thane Strikers, Aakash Tigers, and new teams SoBo Mumbai Falcons and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals. Each team can select one icon player to strengthen their team. The auction will take place on a date to be announced in the near future.

Besides the star players, veteran mentors such as Abhishek Nayar and Paras Mhambrey have also joined to ensure there is player development. The league has received more than 2800 registrations, which indicates the massive level of excitement among the players to be on the platform. The T20 Mumbai League 2025 will certainly be an exciting and memorable cricket carnival with the right blend of experience and young guns.