New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar is set to be honoured with a life-size statue at the iconic Wankhede stadium in Mumbai, it was announced on Wednesday. A life-size statue of the former Indian skipper and chairman of selectors would be installed at the stadium in a move which has been finalised by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).
The former Indian cricketer has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to Indian and Mumbai cricket for a long period of time. The MCA took this decision during its apex council meeting where it was also decided that it would donate Rs 1 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund as a ‘gesture of solidarity towards the farming community’.
Additionally, Mumbai players also collectively contributed an amount of Rs 25 lakh for the same cause.
Dilip is Mumbai’s greatest cricketing icons: MCA
Calling Dilip Vengsarkar Mumbai’s greatest cricketing icons, MCA president Ajinkya Naik said that this comes as a small tribute to one of the best players Mumbai cricket has ever produced.
‘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,’ said MCA president Ajinkya Naik.
The MCA further said that the council has taken a joint decision to honour he former India skipper for what he has done for the sport in the country.
‘The Council has unanimously resolved to install a life-size statue of Shri Dilip Vengsarkar at the Wankhede Stadium in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian and Mumbai cricket,’ the MCA said.
Vengsarkar, who played 116 Test matches and 129 ODI games between 1976 and 1992, also captained India in 10 Tests and 18 ODIs. One of the most formidable batters the country has seen especially at number 3 spot, he scored 6,868 runs at 42.13 with 17 centuries and 35 fifties in Tests. He also scored 3,508 runs at an average of 34.73 with one century and 23 fifties in one-day internationals.
Earlier in June, the 69-year-old was appointed as a Cricket Advisor to the MCA along with former India captain Diana Edulji.
(With PTI inputs)