Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

  • Client: Mumbai Cricket Association (BCA)
  • Location: Churchgate, Mumbai, India
  • Expertise: Architecture, Interior Design, PMC
  • Status: Built
  • Cost: INR 255 Cr.
  • Year of Completion: 2010

The Wankhede Stadium, Originally designed by our founder,  Wankhede Stadium was completed in just 11 months on a constrained 13.5‑acre site adjacent to existing clubhouses, railway lines and a dense residential development —a feat of urban design and execution. A hallmark is the dramatic cantilevered tensile roof introduced during the 2009–10 renovation for the 2011 World Cup. A 22 m overhang, supported by bent tubular steel trusses and tension rings, allows obstruction‑free sight lines. The PTFE‑coated fabric roof enhances deflected light and thermal comfort, while integrated exhaust fans promote natural ventilation .

Post‑renovation capacity was rationalised from 42,000 to ~33,000, with the addition of 72 luxury boxes, executive lounges, and high‑end player/ VIP facilities featuring wood finishes, granite accents, and aluminium baffle ceilings . Twenty elevators serve the north and south stands, while subsurface drainage and modern concessions improved spectator comfort .

Natural ventilation is enhanced through the roof vents drawing in breezes from the Arabian Sea. The lightweight roof reduced structural footprint, while clerestory glazing ensures daylighting .

Today, Wankhede stands as a premier cricket venue, hosting global events including the 2011 World Cup Final and Sachin Tendulkar’s final Test. It exemplifies context-sensitive stadium architecture—where structural innovation, climate responsiveness, and spectator experience converge.

"Revamping one of the oldest icons of world cricket and Mumbai was an intimidating task.Yet, it was the understanding of every inch of the stadium premises, having built it from scratch in 1974 that empowered us to transform the structure into a modern-day wonder."

A Legacy in Transition

As the game of cricket evolved from a colonial pastime to a multi-billion dollar global industry, Wankhede evolved with it. The stadium has served as a catalyst for Mumbai’s sports culture, adapting its infrastructure to meet the demands of international standards. The current narrative focus is on the "In-Situ Modernization"—upgrading iconic, 40-year-old structures without halting the vibrant pulse of the club’s daily operations.

Defining the Next 50 Years

The modernization of Wankhede is a watershed moment for Indian sports infrastructure. It demonstrates how we can preserve the emotional sanctity of a stadium while integrating the fiscal and environmental rigor required for the 21st century.

The stadium continues to foster an immersive environment for the next generation of athletes, serving as a beacon of excellence, resilience, and sustainable urban design.

Project Team

Shashi Prabhu, Suhas Sahani