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Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium Could Be Open for Public Tours Soon


Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium Could Be Open for Public Tours Soon
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Officials from the Maharashtra Tourism Ministry are said to be in talks with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to open the popular Wankhede Stadium for tourists. Wankhede is home to the Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians and is also the stadium where India won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Finals.

The State Tourism Ministry has reportedly received an in-principle nod from the MCA to allow tourists at Wankhede Stadium. State Tourism Minister, Aaditya Thackeray shared the news on Twitter. However, there’s no clarification on when the stadium will be opened for tourists.

Also read - Coronavirus Lockdown Impacts Matheran's Tourism Business

“We at the Tourism Dept had requested @MumbaiCricAssoc to work with us on opening up of Wankhede Stadium for a stadium experience tour to tourists and fans from around the world. They have agreed in principle to work together on the same,” Thackeray’s tweet read.

Officials said that they’re also planning a cricket museum at Wankhede or at another suitable place. “On the advise of Sharad Pawar (we) are establishing a cricket museum and (now) we are delighted to partner with MTDC to promote the iconic Wankhede Stadium as a must visit place for sports fan visiting Mumbai from around the world. My deep appreciation to Aaditya Thackeray for taking this initiative on behalf of Government of Maharashtra to promote Mumbai cricket,” MCA President Vijay Patil said.

Read - State Government Signs MoUs To Boost Tourism In Sindhudurg And Tadoba

Officials in Mumbai have been looking for ways to boost to the tourism industry. Given that Wankhede has been home to several iconic matches in Indian cricket, this idea could prove to be widely popular among cricket fans. Offering cricket stadium tours will not be the first in the country as the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala already has this in place.  

Separately, the authorities are reportedly planning “a permanent seat on Dhoni’s name at the stand where his 2011 World Cup-winning six landed.” This idea was proposed by MCA Apex Council member Ajinkya Naik. 

The seat where MS Dhoni’s match-winning six landed in 2011 has been identified as seat number 210 (Block L) at Wankhede’s MCA Pavilion. Naik said that the seat was identified with some help from Indian cricketing legend and commentator, Sunil Gavaskar. 

Also read - BMC Decides Against Using Wankhede And Brabourne Stadium As Quarantine Facility

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