Mumbai Cricket Association to Launch Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is set to inaugurate the long-awaited Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at the historic Wankhede Stadium on September 22, 2023. In an exclusive interview, MCA President Ajinkya Naik shared insights into the vision behind the museum and the collaborative efforts that have brought it to fruition.

Naik explained that the primary goal of the museum is to celebrate the rich legacy of the MCA and inspire future cricket stars, both local and international. He stated, “Our main motive was to showcase the Mumbai Cricket Association’s legacy to the future stars of Mumbai and Indian cricket, and also for the tourists who keep visiting the city.”

The museum will feature a diverse array of cricket memorabilia, including jerseys, bats, and other gear donated by prominent players from Mumbai and the Indian national team. Naik highlighted the extensive outreach efforts made by the MCA to gather significant items for the exhibition.

“Apex Council members and the committee, which included Professor Shetty, Clayton Murzello, and a few others, did the research. There were a lot of people involved in the process of collecting special items from former and current players,” he noted. The museum’s collection will include contributions from legendary cricketers such as Dilip Vengsarkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rohit Sharma, making it a significant tribute to the sport.

Clayton Murzello, who serves as the Deputy Editor at Mid-day and is a member of the MCA’s Advisory Board, played a pivotal role in curating the museum’s exhibits. Naik remarked on Murzello’s expertise, stating, “In the city, there are very few people who are well aware of Mumbai cricket’s history. He has been active as a journalist and also as a cricket enthusiast. He has played an important role in the field of cricket for a really long time.”

The museum’s inauguration will be preceded by a soft launch attended by MCA officials and cricketing icons from Mumbai and the national team. As the opening date approaches, Naik expressed the emotional significance of the museum for himself and the association. “For me, the museum in itself is a big thing – a big achievement for the Mumbai Cricket Association and also for the Apex Council members. The discussions regarding the stadiums have been held for a long time, and finally, the dream is coming true. It will be one of its kind in India,” he said.

While details of future projects remain under wraps, Naik assured that updates would be provided as they develop. “For now, the management is only focused on the inauguration of the museum. We will keep you posted on future projects,” he concluded.

The Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum promises not just to be a showcase of cricketing history but also a source of inspiration for the next generation of players and fans alike.