MCA president Dr Vijay Patil said that work on the museum will begin soon. “We will float tenders for various work in the coming weeks and a meeting will soon be convened to discuss the way forward,” Dr Patil told mid-day
NZ spinner Ajaz Patel (right) presents MCA chief Vijay Patil his autographed jersey; (right) A match ball autographed by Ajaz Patel
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) have managed to get hold of some lifetime treasures from the second Test between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium, that concluded on the fourth day on Monday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Although India crushed the Kiwis by a record margin of 372 runs to win the series 1-0, the match will be remembered for NZ spinner Ajaz Patel’s epic 10-wicket show in the first innings.
The MCA has received some personalised memorabilia from the bowler, like an autographed jersey and a handwritten scoresheet [one copy of the scoresheet was presented to the spinner as well along with a memento]. However, the most treasured possession is the match ball that the left-arm spinner presented to
MCA for its upcoming museum.
In August last year, mid-day was the first to report on the proposal to build a 10,000 sq ft museum at the Wankhede Stadium. However, it’s been over a year now and that proposal is still in the planning stages. Only a blueprint of the museum has been floated so far.
MCA president Dr Vijay Patil said that work on the museum will begin soon. “We will float tenders for various work in the coming weeks and a meeting will soon be convened to discuss the way forward,” Dr Patil told mid-day.
It is learnt that the MCA will soon appoint a project management consultant for the museum. “Once that appointment is made, a budget will be worked out and that will need to be passed in the Annual General Meeting. It may take a couple of years for the museum to be fully ready,” a source said.
The museum is proposed to be set up at the Garware Club, which is a stone’s throw away from the Wankhede Stadium. The renowned Dr Kanga Memorial Library, which has some rare books, will also be housed within the museum space.
The MCA will be the first state cricket association in India to boast of a museum. There are also plans to soon open the Wankhede Stadium for guided tours to boost tourism in the state.
Team India give Ajaz autographed jersey
NEW Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel, who took all 10 India wickets in the first innings of the second Test at Wankhede Stadium, was presented a jersey signed by the India squad for his achievement, at the conclusion of the match on Monday. India spinner R Ashwin presented the jersey to Ajaz.
Also Read: Virat Kohli: The Indian team are expected to win everything, but that’s not realistic
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
