There are very few people in the world who create an impact globally, and one of them, without a doubt, is Sachin Tendulkar. The legendary Indian cricketer turned 50 on Monday, April 24, and his fans across the globe specially celebrated his birthday. Tendulkar, who has scored the most number of international hundreds with 100 centuries to his name, was honoured at Sharjah Cricket Stadium as well. The West Stand at the record-breaking Sharjah Cricket Stadium has been renamed the Sachin Tendulkar Stand. Read on for all the deets.
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Sharjah Cricket Stadium renamed the West Stand not only on account of Tendulkar’s Birthday but also to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the famous back-to-back centuries he scored against Australia in 1998 to a packed stadium.
Being the only Indian cricketer to play World Cups – 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011, Tendulkar’s seven at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, including the twin hundreds in April 1998, is still lauded by his fans across the world.
Speaking about the initiative to rename the stand and paying tribute to Tendulkar, CEO of the Sharjah stadium, Khalaf Bukhatir 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. 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.”
The Sydney Cricket Ground Also Paid A Tribute To Sachin Tendulkar
Besides Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the Sydney Cricket Ground also paid tribute to Tendulkar on his birthday by revealing a set of gates named after him and West Indies batsman Brian Lara.
Sachin Tendulkar also shared his thoughts on this special gesture by Sharjah Stadium and said, “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.”
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Furthermore, he added, “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!” Speaking about the record-breaking Sharjah Cricket Stadium- it still holds the Guinness record for most One Day internationals played (244).
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