which holds the Guinness record for the most One-Day Internationals played (244), has paid tribute to the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar by renaming the West Stand as the Sachin Tendulkar stand. This gesture marks the 25th anniversary of Tendulkar’s famous back-to-back centuries against Australia in 1998 and coincides with his 50th birthday.
The Desert Storm innings, where Tendulkar scored 143 on April 22 and 134 two days later in the finals of the Coca-Cola Cup, a triangular series between India, Australia, and New Zealand, is still celebrated and remembered by fans around the world. Tendulkar has scored 49 ODI hundreds in 34 stadiums, but his seven at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, including the twin hundreds in April 1998, stand out as some of his best performances.
In response to the news of the stand being named after him, Tendulkar said, “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. A big thank you to Mr. 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 CEO of the Sharjah stadium, Khalaf Bukhatir, expressed his gratitude to Tendulkar for his contribution to the game of cricket and said, “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.
Congrats to Suchin