Cricket News: Sharjah cricket stadium honors Sachin Tendulkar

As birthday greetings continued to stream in for one of the world's most prominent cricketers, Sachin Tendulkar, various distinctions were bestowed upon him.

In the most recent development, a stand at Sharjah Cricket Stadium was renamed after one of the greatest Indian icons of all time during a special ceremony held in the UAE. Notably, Tendulkar received this prestigious accolade in recognition of his 50th birthday.

The stadium's 'West Stand' was renamed the 'Sachin Tendulkar Stand' in a special ceremony on Monday. Surprisingly, on his birthday in 1998, the 50-year-old delivered one of the most memorable and exhilarating knocks in ODI history in Sharjah, which became known as the 'Desert Storm' century.

Furthermore, not only was it the legend's 'half-century' in terms of age number, but it was also the 25th anniversary of his spectacular knock.

Notably, Sachin Tendulkar hit two historic century in a row against a tough Australian team in the Coca-Cola Cup, a triangular series between India, New Zealand, and Australia. Tendulkar scored 143 runs in a match against Australia on April 22.

More notably, India faced a difficult struggle in qualifying for the series final due to failing to achieve the required Net Run Rate (NRR). So, before even winning the match, India needed to not only win, but also attain the required minimum score with a massive asking run rate. The inconceivable became a reality thanks to the batting genius' positive aim and flawless hitting.

Following that, just as supporters were recovering from the delight of his spectacular knock, another magnanimous century awaited them. Two days later, on his birthday, April 24, India faced Australia in the final.

Sachin Tendulkar demonstrated his batting mastery once more, smacking 134 runs off 131 balls to lead India to a remarkable series triumph. The Master Blaster has scored seven hundred in Sharjah out of a total of 34 centuries.

Meanwhile, on this historic occasion, India's best opener, Sachin Tendulkar, recalls fondly the unshakable support and love he received from cricket fans in a special message for the Sharjah cricket officials.

Furthermore, he cherished the incredible atmosphere of a crowded stadium and expressed gratitude to Khalaf Bukhatir, the CEO of the Sharjah stadium, for this nice gesture.

"I wish I was there but unfortunately I had prior commitments. Playing in Sharjah has always been a magnificent experience. From the electrifying atmosphere to the love, affection and support, Sharjah has been a special venue for Indian cricket fans and lovers of the game from around the globe,"

Tendulkar said.

"A big thank you to Bukhatir and his team for this kind gesture on the 25th anniversary of the Desert Storm match and my 50th birthday. Feels like the greatest 6 of them all,"

the 50-year-old was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

In response, Bukhatir expressed his gratitude to Sachin Tendulkar, adding that it was their obligation to reward sportsmen who have given so much to the game of cricket with complete dedication and elevated the bar.

As administrators, they will continue to seek the services of retiring luminaries in whatever manner they can. Furthermore, he did not hesitate to call the Twin Centuries one of the finest moments in cricket history.

"Indeed, that was an incredible inning, and it was repeated in the finals. Right through the years of the now legendary CBFS initiative we have striven here at Sharjah to acknowledge the services of many great players even after their retirement,"

Bukhatir stated.

"We believe that as administrators it is our duty to pay tribute to those who have raised the bar and dedicated their lives to the cause of cricket, and we will continue to do so,"

the Sharjah CEO concluded.

It is worth noting that the Sharjah cricket stadium holds the Guinness World Record for holding the most One-Day Internationals (244), more than any other venue.

In addition, on Monday, the famed Sydney Cricket Ground or 'The SCG' revealed an entry gate named after Sachin Tendulkar to honour him on his 50th birthday, together with the legendary West Indian, Brian Lara.

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