The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to immortalise one of its most illustrious sons, Dilip Vengsarkar, by installing a life-size statue of the former India captain at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The resolution was passed unanimously during the MCA’s apex council meeting on Wednesday, held at its headquarters in Mumbai. In an official release, acknowledging his decades-long influence on the game’s evolution in India, MCA confirmed, “The Council has unanimously resolved to install a life-size statue of Shri Dilip Vengsarkar at Wankhede Stadium in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian and Mumbai cricket." In the same meeting, the apex council also resolved to extend a humanitarian gesture by donating ₹1 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, directed towards the welfare of Maharashtra’s farming community. Reflecting similar sentiment, Mumbai’s domestic cricketers collectively pledged an additional ₹25 lakh contribution to the same cause. The gesture, officials noted, was meant to express gratitude from the cricketing fraternity to those sustaining the nation’s agrarian backbone. MCA Expands Vision: From Tributes to Grassroots Known as the “Colonel” for his grace and grit, Dilip Vengsarkar remains one of India’s finest No. 3 batters. Between 1976 and 1992, he featured in 116 Tests and 129 ODIs, accumulating 6,868 Test runs at an average of 42.13, with 17 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His ODI tally of 3,508 runs at 34.73 further underlines his adaptability across formats. Vengsarkar also captained India in 10 Tests and 18 ODIs and played a pivotal role in shaping Indian cricket’s technical ethos post the 1983 World Cup triumph. Beyond his exploits on the field, he has contributed immensely as a selector and mentor, grooming the next generation of Mumbai and Indian cricketers. Appointed in June as the MCA’s Cricket Advisor, alongside former captain Diana Edulji, Vengsarkar’s return to an administrative role reinforces the association’s trust in his cricketing wisdom. His leadership continues to influence policy reforms aimed at improving cricketing infrastructure in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. During the same meeting, the MCA approved several structural reforms, including the establishment of new cricket academies across suburban and central Mumbai. The council also raised the subsidy for maidan clubs from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per match, aiming to revitalise grassroots cricket. MCA president Ajinkya Naik said, “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." The statue, to be unveiled later this year, will join those of cricketing legends who shaped India’s rich sporting history — a lasting reminder of Vengsarkar’s indomitable legacy in both Mumbai and Indian cricket.