Chandigarh, January 21, 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): Wankhede Stadium, a witness to many historic cricket matches, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Mumbai Cricket Association invited legendary cricketers, including current captain Rohit Sharma, Sunil Gavaskar, and Sachin Tendulkar, to a grand event.
On this special day, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar shared a memorable story about Wankhede. He revealed that he played the last match of his career at this very ground and had made a special request to the BCCI for it.
Sachin Tendulkar recalled the emotions he experienced during his final Test against the West Indies in 2013, describing them as indescribable. He said, “When the series schedule against the West Indies was announced, I called N. Srinivasan (then BCCI President) and requested that the second and final match of the series be played at Wankhede. I wanted my mother to see me play my last match.”
He added, “My mother had never been to a stadium or watched me play live. Due to her health at the time, she could only come to Wankhede. The BCCI graciously accepted my request, and my mother and entire family were present that day. Stepping into Wankhede today brings back the same emotions.”
Tendulkar also reminisced about India winning the 2011 World Cup at Wankhede, calling it the best moment of his life. He spoke about being carried on his teammates’ shoulders around the ground after the win.
Summary: Sachin Tendulkar personally requested the BCCI to make arrangements for his mother to witness his farewell match, marking a heartfelt moment in cricket history.