Sharjah:The West Stand of the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium was renamed as ‘Sachin Tendulkar Stand’ in a special function organized to mark the Indian cricket legend’s birthday. Not only does it coincide with the Indian legend’s birthday, but it is also the 25th anniversary of his back-to-back centuries against Australia in 1998 in front of a packed stadium. However, Sachin was in Goa on this special occasion and could not reach Sharjah. Tendulkar scored 143 in the tri-series between India, Australia and New Zealand here on April 22 and 134 in the final of the Coca-Cola Cup two days later. . Tendulkar scored 49 centuries in ODIs and played in 34 stadiums but his 7 centuries including at Sharjah Cricket Stadium is still appreciated and celebrated by his fans across the globe.
Reacting to the naming of the stand, Sachin said in the message, ‘Wish I could be there, but unfortunately I have prior commitments. Playing in Sharjah has always been a great experience. From the thrilling atmosphere to the love, affection and support, Sharjah has been a special destination for Indian cricket fans and sports fans across the world. It has given us so many special moments. Many thanks to Mr. Bukhatyr and his team for such a great celebration on the 25th anniversary of the Desert Storm match and my 50th birthday.
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium still holds the Guinness record for most One Day Internationals played (244) and has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in cricket history at this ground. On the anniversary of Desert Storm, Khalaf Bukhatir, CEO of Sharjah Stadium, said, “This is our small way of expressing our gratitude to Sachin for doing so much for the game of cricket. Indeed, that was an incredible innings, and it was repeated in the final.
Sachin Tendulkar Birthday: Sachin-Sachin… this name will always resonate in SCG, the gate named after Tendulkar was built in the stadiumTornado of the desert … That stormy innings of 143 runs, Sachin Tendulkar reminded Australia of his grandmother 25 years agoBLOG: Raisin bar on Sachin’s century, removing battery tongs when outSachin Tendulkar Birthday: Jeevet Sharad: Shatam Shatam… Complete this record too Sachin, now master the century of age on the pitch of life