Wankhede Stadium (Cricket)

Wankhede Stadium, located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is one of India's most iconic cricket grounds and the home of the Mumbai Indians IPL team. Built in a record time of about 13 months and inaugurated in 1975, it was named after Barrister Sheshrao Krishnarao Wankhede, then president of the Mumbai Cricket Association.

The stadium was established after a dispute between the Cricket Club of India and the Mumbai Cricket Association regarding ticket allocations, pushing MCA to build its own venue near Mumbai's Churchgate station. Wankhede has a seating capacity of around 33,000 and is known for its intimate atmosphere, allowing fans to be close to the action, which creates an electric match-day experience.

The stadium has hosted numerous historic cricket matches, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final where India won on home soil. It was also the venue of Sachin Tendulkar's final international match. Over the years, it has witnessed memorable feats such as Ravi Shastri's six sixes in an over during a domestic game in 1985 and Sunil Gavaskar's 205 against the West Indies.

The pitch traditionally favors batsmen but offers some assistance to seam bowlers early on due to its seaside location. Renovations before the 2011 World Cup modernized the stadium with improved stands, floodlights for day-night matches, and better spectator facilities. The stadium features several stands named after cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Vijay Merchant, creating a sense of cricketing heritage. Its two ends are known as the Garware Pavilion End and the Tata End.

Besides international and IPL matches, the stadium regularly hosts domestic tournaments and remains central to Mumbai’s cricket culture. Wankhede is also used for other major events, including political ceremonies, and continues to be a significant hub for cricket in India and a symbol of Mumbai's passionate sporting spirit.