In a landmark moment for Indian cricket, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) officially inaugurated the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum on August 23, 2025, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Spanning over 8,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art museum is a tribute to Mumbai’s legendary role in shaping Indian and international cricket, combining historical reverence with modern digital innovation. Open to the public from September 22, 2025, access will require prior online booking, with ticket details to be announced soon.
The entrance of the museum is marked by striking life-size statues of Sharad Pawar and Sunil Gavaskar, symbolizing administrative excellence and cricketing greatness. The museum’s expansive collection pays homage to Mumbai’s cricketing icons and institutions, with dedicated sections on India’s cricket legends, women’s cricket milestones, World Cup victories, and the many member clubs that form the heart of the MCA. Blending nostalgic memorabilia with interactive digital displays, the experience is designed to educate and inspire both cricket aficionados and the next generation of players.
“This museum celebrates Mumbai’s cricketing journey, from maidans to the world stage. I’m honoured to have my name associated with it,” said Sharad Pawar, Member of Rajya Sabha. “It highlights not only the stars but also the unsung heroes behind the game’s growth.”
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar echoed the sentiment, saying, “As someone who learned cricket through books, seeing this museum brings joy. MCA has created something truly special – a blend of heritage and technology that will inspire young cricketers.” He emphasized the importance of preserving the game’s past: “A museum like this was long overdue, and now, thanks to digital tools, we can share cricket’s early stories even without old footage.”
MCA President Ajinkya Naik highlighted the significance of the dual statues at the museum’s entrance, stating, “Sharad Pawar Saheb and Sunil Gavaskar Sir represent the highest standards of leadership and cricketing excellence. Their presence here will inspire countless young athletes.”
Praising the MCA’s initiative, Ashish Shelar, Cabinet Minister, Govt. of Maharashtra, said, “Like the museum at Lord’s, this will give Wankhede and MCA a global identity. Kudos to the team for preserving and presenting Mumbai cricket’s history in such a modern, impactful way.”
As one of the few comprehensive cricket museums in India, the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum stands not only as a shrine to Mumbai’s unmatched cricketing contributions but also as a forward-looking institution that connects the city’s glorious past with its future in the sport.
