Rohit Sharma Stand inauguration ceremony: Live Updates from Wankhede Stadium today

Saino Zachariah

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Rohit Sharma Stand inauguration ceremony: Live Updates from Wankhede Stadium today image

The iconic Wankhede Stadium recognises the achievements of Mumbai star and one of India's greatest cricketers, Rohit Sharma, with a stand named after him.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is set to host a special inauguration ceremony on May 16, 2025, to name and honor three individuals for their contributions to the sport.

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Rohit, who recently announced his Test retirement, has been an instrumental player for India in all three formats. The Divecha Pavilion Level 3 will now be renamed as the 'Rohit Sharma Stand'.

After making his white-ball debut in 2007, he got his Test cap in 2013, and after becoming captain in 2022, the team has won two ICC titles - the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025.

Sharad Pawar, who served as BCCI President from 2005 to 2008, another long-serving administrator from Mumbai, will be the second individual to be honoured. 

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Another legend, Late Ajit Wadekar, will have a stand named after him. He was India's first ODI captain, under whose leadership India won historic overseas Test series in 1971 against both the West Indies and England in 1971. 

The Sporting News provides you with all the highlights and key events from the inauguration ceremony that is expected to start at 5:00 p.m. IST.

MORE: Can Virat Kohli still break Sachin Tendulkar's 100 hundreds record in internationals?

Rohit Sharma Stand naming ceremony: Live Updates from Wankhede Stadium

5:45 p.m.: MI owner Nita Ambani was delighted for the MI captain who led the team to win IPL titles, saying: "Congratulations, Rohit! As Wankhede honours one of its favourite sons, it now carries not just your memories, but your name - a permanent mark of inspiration for every young cricketer. A true legend of our city and our country."

5:30 p.m: Rohit is felicitated with a bouquet, and the grand reveal for the new stand is complete.

The former Indian captain says that he's never dreamt of this [stand named after him] and that he has only wanted to grow up and play cricket for Mumbai, India.

After thanking everyone, he ends his speech in his usual style, joking that his teammates won't be happy with him because they have to go for training after this event.

5:30 p.m.: Visuals of MI stars Hardik Pandey, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav at the ground.

5:27 p.m.: The MCA Office Lounge has also been integrated dedicated in memory of former MCA President Amol Kale.

5:20 p.m.: Late Ajit Wadekar's family is awarded a memento for the former Indian and Mumbai captain's contributions, before the new stand is unveiled. 

5:18 p.m.: The Sharad Pawar Stand is the first to be unveiled today.

5:00 p.m.: The event has begun. Rohit Sharma, Sharad Pawar are joined by MCA officials and the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the stage.

MI cricketers are also present at the stadium.

4:45 p.m.: Rohit's family has arrived to witness the stand naming ceremony.

4:30 p.m.: "A young boy from Borivali who now has a name on one of the most iconic world venues of cricket - Wankhede Stadium."

Mumbai Indians (MI) owner Akash Ambani congratulates Hitman and says he can't wait to walk out for the last IPL 2025 home game with a stand named after Rohit.

4:15 p.m.: Spectators have begun to arrive at the Wankhede for the special ceremony.

4:00 p.m.: First look of the new stand from last evening

MORE: How will India line up without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? India probable XI for 1st Test against England 

Saino Zachariah

Saino Zachariah is a content producer at The Sporting News, with a focus on cricket, AFL, NRL, and Indian sports.

His work has appeared in publications such as The Mirror UK & US, Irish Star, and Express where he has covered MLB, football, tennis, and basketball. 

Starting his journey through fantasy sports, he developed a keen eye for numbers and trends shaping the game's narrative. Despite a background in science, he draws inspiration from art, film, and history.