Mumbai, India – The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) marked a historic milestone on Thursday by securing a Guinness World Records title for the “Largest Cricket Ball Sentence” as part of celebrations commemorating 50 years of the iconic Wankhede Stadium. This remarkable achievement coincided with the anniversary of the stadium’s first-ever international match in 1975, where India faced the West Indies in a memorable Test match held from January 23 to 29.
A Tribute to Cricketing Legends
The record was dedicated to the late Eknath Solkar, who scored a century during that historic Test match, and to other Mumbai cricketers who left an indelible mark on the sport. Highlighting its commitment to honoring cricket’s legacy, the MCA used 14,505 leather cricket balls to create the sentence: Fifty Years of Wankhede Stadium.
Breakdown of the Record
Each word of the sentence was carefully crafted using the following number of balls:
- FIFTY: 1,902
- YEARS: 2,831
- OF: 1,066
- WANKHEDE: 4,990
- STADIUM: 3,672
- FULL STOP: 44
- TOTAL: 14,505
In the presence of MCA President Ajinkya Naik, along with office-bearers and Apex Council members, the record was officially achieved on the stadium’s hallowed grounds. To inspire young cricketers, the MCA announced that these balls would be distributed to aspiring players from schools, clubs, and NGOs across Mumbai.
President Ajinkya Naik’s Statement
Ajinkya Naik, President of the MCA, expressed pride in the association’s legacy, stating, “Mumbai cricket has played a vital role in shaping the history of the sport, producing some of the greatest cricketers in the world. Wankhede Stadium stands as a symbol of Mumbai’s passion for cricket and its relentless pursuit of excellence. This Guinness World Records title celebrates not just the stadium but also the countless players, officials, and unsung heroes who have contributed to Mumbai’s cricketing legacy.”
Golden Jubilee Festivities
The MCA had earlier hosted a series of events to honor the stadium’s 50th anniversary. These included felicitating captains of Mumbai’s men’s and women’s teams, members of the Mumbai squad that played the first-ever first-class match at Wankhede in 1974, and former elected committee members. Groundsmen were also celebrated with a special Polly Umrigar Health Camp and a lunch organized in their honor.
A Star-Studded Celebration
The grand celebration on January 19 brought together cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Diana Edulji, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane. The evening featured stellar performances by renowned artists Ajay-Atul and Avadhoot Gupte, followed by a breathtaking laser show that lit up the stadium, creating an unforgettable experience for the packed crowd.
Conclusion
As Wankhede Stadium celebrates its golden jubilee, the Guinness World Records title adds another feather to the cap of Mumbai’s cricketing legacy. This extraordinary milestone reflects the city’s enduring love for the sport and its commitment to inspiring future generations of cricketers.
