The Mumbai Cricket Association has honored cricketing legends Dilip Vengsarkar and Diana Edulji with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the sport. This accolade was presented during the Annual Awards Function, which took place at the Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket Academy and Recreation Centre in BKC, Mumbai. The event also acknowledged the top performers from the 2022-23 and 2023-24 cricket seasons.
Dilip Vengsarkar, a prominent figure in Indian cricket, played an integral role in the nation’s triumph during the 1983 Cricket World Cup. He has a distinguished record, having captained India in a total of 10 Test matches and 18 One Day Internationals. Following his playing career, Vengsarkar contributed to cricket administration, serving as Vice-President of the MCA and later as Chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Selection Committee.
Diana Edulji, whose international career spanned 17 years, has been a trailblazer in women’s cricket in India. Her efforts have played a significant role in not just establishing but also promoting the presence of women's cricket on a national and international level. Edulji’s influence in the sport has paved the way for future generations of female cricketers.
In addition to Vengsarkar and Edulji, other honorees included former MCA Vice-President Prof. Ratnakar Shetty and Pravin Barve, both of whom received the Lifetime Achievement Award for their extensive contributions to cricket administration. Their dedication has been instrumental in fostering the growth and development of cricket in Mumbai.
The awards ceremony also celebrated individual excellence, with Ajinkya Rahane, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Sayali Satghare, and Sanika Chalke emerging as the standout performers. Furthermore, the MCA presented the Sharad Pawar Scholarship to 15 young, promising players, underscoring their commitment to nurturing talent.
The President of MCA, Ajinkya Naik, expressed pride in the achievements of the award recipients, stating that these awards reflect the hard work, dedication, and excellence that define the essence of Mumbai cricket. He highlighted the significant contributions of Vengsarkar and Edulji to both Mumbai and Indian cricket, noting their legendary status. Naik also praised the remarkable efforts of Prof. Shetty and Pravin Barve, who have played pivotal roles in shaping the legacy of cricket in Mumbai. His congratulations extended to all award winners for their exceptional performances.
The MCA took this opportunity to celebrate not just individual achievements but also team success, particularly acknowledging the Ajinkya Rahane-led Ranji Trophy champions. Additional recognition was given to Mumbai teams for their outstanding performances across domestic tournaments throughout the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, reflecting the city's formidable legacy in the sport.
The event served not only as a platform to honor past and present figures in the sport but also as a reminder of the vibrant cricket culture that Mumbai fosters and the continuous commitment to developing future talent.