On August 23, 2025, the Mumbai Cricket Association inaugurated something special at Wankhede Stadium, the Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum, a 8.000-square-foot facility that reflects Mumbai crazy passion of cricket. It is a walk through the decades of Mumbai cricket beats, maidan matches to World Cup victories, with relics and digital displays that drag you into the match.Opening to the public on September 22, this museum is for anyone who’s ever screamed at a six or debated an umpire’s call. It’s a place to soak up the stories that make Mumbai the soul of Indian cricket.
Icons at the Gate
Two statues are life-sized, one of Sharad Pawar and one of Sunil Gavaskar guarding the gate of the game. Pawar has managed to transform the backrooms of cricket into hubs of progress as he headed the MCA, BCCI and the ICC. Gavaskar, who scored 10,122 in Test cricket and made 34 centuries, demonstrated to the world what Indian batting could achieve. These sculptures epitomize the brains and heart of Mumbai, in a stone which anyone visiting the city can touch. If you’re planning a trip and want to stay updated on cricket’s latest buzz, checking out platforms like 1xbt can keep you in the game. The statues aren’t just decor; they set the stage for a museum that’s all about legacy.
A Vault of Cricket Memories
Inside, the museum feels like a treasure chest cracked open. You’ve got jerseys from the 1983 World Cup, bats that smashed records, and caps worn on Mumbai’s dusty maidans. The MCA reached out to 28 cricketers, and they came through big time. Rohit Sharma donated his 2023 ODI World Cup uniform; Sandeep Patil handed over his blazer that he wore during the 1983 win; Pravin Amre gave away his caps that he wore as a Mumbai and Indian cricketer.
These items have the burden of great catches, lost sleep, and memories that shaped careers. Old matches are resurrected on digital screens as you re-experience the brilliance of Kapil Dev or the emergence of Smriti Mandhana in women cricket. A small display with a model of a crowded BEST bus even makes a cheeky reference to the hustle the city is so well acquainted to every cricketer here.
What makes it special is the shoutout to the unsung. A corner honors coaches, groundsmen, and local clubs that keep Mumbai’s cricket engine running. It is not flawless–some of the displays are crammed together a bit–but it is real, like the city itself. The combination of the rough edged artifacts, and modern technology-rich displays, keeps one glued, as they move on to one tale after another.
Words from the Heart
At the opening, Sharad Pawar spoke with a quiet pride that filled the room. He called the museum a tribute to Mumbai’s journey, from kids swinging bats on maidans to pros battling on global pitches. “It’s for the heroes who don’t always get the spotlight,” he said, his words landing like a well-timed cover drive. Sunil Gavaskar, always a bit of a history buff, lit up talking about his days learning cricket from old magazines, not replays.
“This place makes me happy,” he said, his grin infectious. “Kids can come here and feel the game’s roots.” MCA president Ajinkya Naik added his own take, calling the museum a “living book” of Mumbai’s cricket story. He pointed to the statues, saying Pawar’s vision and Gavaskar’s runs are what young players should chase, whether they’re holding a bat or a clipboard.
Why You Need to Visit
Starting September 22, 2025, the museum opens its doors, but you’ll need to book tickets online (prices likely 200-500 rupees, though details are still coming). Here’s why it’s worth your time:
- Real Relics: From 1983 blazers to Rohit’s 2023 bat, these pieces hold Mumbai’s cricketing soul.
- Immersive Tech: Interactive displays let you dive into moments like India’s 2011 World Cup win, vivid and alive.
- Everyday Heroes: The museum celebrates the coaches and groundsmen who make the game tick, not just the stars.
- Wankhede Tour: Your ticket includes a free stadium tour, so you can walk where legends made history.
This is not some dusty archive of the museum. It’s a Mumbai cricket story told from the heart, from the roar of Wankhede to the scratch of local grounds. Yeah, the ticket system is a bit vague, some displays could use some more room, but that’s the charm – like a cluttered over that still functions. Lock in a slot, stand beside those statues and let the game’s vibes take hold. You’ll go home with stories you didn’t know you’re needed.