Mumbai Cricket Association commemorates 50 years of Wankhede Stadium with a Guinness World Record

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Thursday achieved a monumental milestone by securing the Guinness World Records title for the 'Largest Cricket Ball Sentence.'

This accomplishment was part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The record was set on the anniversary of the first-ever international match held at the stadium in 1975, when India faced the West Indies in a memorable Test match from January 23 to 29.

MCA dedicated this extraordinary feat to the late Eknath Solkar, who scored a century in that historic match, and to other departed Mumbai players who made significant contributions to the sport.

The MCA, known for its unwavering commitment to excellence, arranged 14,505 leather cricket balls on the Wankhede Stadium field to create the sentence: "Fifty Years of Wankhede Stadium."

The record-breaking arrangement was achieved in the presence of MCA President Ajinkya Naik, alongside office-bearers and Apex Council Members. The breakdown of the balls used for each word is as follows:

• FIFTY: 1,902 balls
• YEARS: 2,831 balls
• OF: 1,066 balls
• WANKHEDE: 4,990 balls
• STADIUM: 3,672 balls
• FULL STOP (.): 44 balls
• Total: 14,505 balls

The MCA will donate the balls used in this record to aspiring cricketers from schools, clubs, and NGOs across the city, encouraging them to be inspired by this achievement and aim for even greater milestones in their cricketing careers.

"Mumbai cricket has contributed significantly to the sport and it holds a special place in cricket's history. The city has produced some of the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen. Wankhede Stadium is the pride of Mumbai and has witnessed countless historic moments. This Guinness World Records title is a reflection of Mumbai cricket's passion, legacy, and relentless pursuit of excellence. It is also a special tribute to all the players, officials, and unsung heroes who have contributed to Mumbai's cricketing legacy," said Ajinkya Naik, President of the Mumbai Cricket Association.

In addition to this achievement, the MCA had hosted a series of events earlier to commemorate the stadium's golden jubilee. These included honoring the captains of Mumbai’s men's and women’s teams, the members of the Mumbai team that played the first-ever first-class match at Wankhede Stadium in 1974, and former Elected Managing Committee members.

The Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai and the association’s groundsmen were also felicitated, with a special Polly Umrigar Health Camp and lunch organized for them in recognition of their invaluable contributions.

The grand celebrations on January 19 were attended by cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Diana Edulji, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane, in front of a packed stadium.

The evening also featured mesmerizing performances by Ajay-Atul and Avadhoot Gupte, followed by a stunning laser show that capped off the event.