Controversial? Olympian questions Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum naming - 'Wish it was named after a cricketer'

The Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) on Saturday inaugurated the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at Wankhede Stadium has been praised for its stunning design and world-class exhibits — but not without sparking a conversation about its naming. Former Indian hockey captain and Olympian Viren Rasquinha shared his candid thoughts on X, writing: “Looks stunning. Only wish it had been named after a cricket player.”The museum, spanning over 8,000 sq. ft., celebrates Mumbai’s unparalleled contribution to Indian and global cricket. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Visitors are greeted by life-size statues of Sharad Pawar, the celebrated administrator, and Sunil Gavaskar, cricketing icon. Inside, interactive displays, digital recreations, and rare memorabilia take fans through Mumbai’s cricketing history, from legendary players to administrators and women’s cricket milestones.Rasquinha’s remark reflects a sentiment shared by many in the cricketing community: while administrative leadership is vital, some feel that museums dedicated to cricket heritage should primarily honour the players who shaped the game on the field. His comment sparked debates online about the balance between celebrating administrators and athletes in cricket’s legacy.Sharad Pawar, the museum’s namesake, expressed pride in the initiative, calling it a tribute to Mumbai’s journey from local maidans to global arenas. Sunil Gavaskar highlighted the museum’s digital features, saying that recreations allow future generations to connect with eras of cricket before television coverage. MCA President Ajinkya Naik and Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar also praised the museum, emphasising its role in preserving Mumbai’s cricketing history and inspiring young players. As the museum opens to the public from September 22, 2025, it promises both inspiration and conversation, celebrating Mumbai cricket while prompting reflection on how the sport’s heroes are honoured.