Sharjah Cricket Stadium becomes first venue to host 300 international games

Sharjah Cricket Stadium will be remembered for two of the most iconic innings from Sachin Tendulkar against Australia in the Coca-Cola Cup 1988. But as the venues played host to the first ODI between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, it created a record that none of the other venues in the world boast. 

Sharjah Cricket Stadium hosted its 300^th international game with the first ODI between Afghanistan and Bangladesh on November 6. The venue has hosted nine Tests, 253 ODIs and 38 T20Is to become breach the 300 mark. The first ever match that was played at the venue was between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup ODI in 1984.

Moreover, India’s batting legend Tendulkar has scored seven centuries at the venue and one of his innings against Australia in 1988, was termed as the ‘Desert Storm’. The Indian stalwart’s record is only matched by Former Pakistan batter, Saeed Anwar at the same venue. When ICC banned Pakistan from hosting international matches after a terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team, Sharjah was one the major venues as the United Arab Emirates became Pakistan’s second home.

Interestingly, in April last year, in honour of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, the ground has renamed one of its stands after him. Notably, Sharjah came up with the move to recognise the immense contribution of the Master Blaster to the game of cricket.

Also Read- Iconic Sharjah cricket stadium renames stand after Sachin Tendulkar to honor him on his 50th birthday

Ground with most matches as a host