The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is one of the most iconic spots of the vibrant city. It is a cricket lover’s paradise that has hosted many memorable cricket matches. From its awe-inspiring architecture to its fascinating atmosphere, this cricket stadium deserves all the appreciation.
This article will explore Sharjah Cricket Stadium’s fascinating history, timeline, facts and development. From its humble beginnings to its current iconic status, this place has a story to tell. Let’s start!
- Overview
- History of Sharjah Cricket Stadium
- Timeline of Cricket Matches Held in Sharjah Cricket Stadium
- Exciting Facts About Sharjah Cricket Stadium
- Facilities at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium
- Upcoming Cricket Matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
- FAQs
Sharjah Cricket Stadium – Overview
The stadium was built in the early 1980s in Sharjah, UAE. Since then, it has undergone remarkable changes and innovation to become the modernised facility it is today.
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium hosted its first international cricket match, the Asia Cup, in April 1984. Since then, the stadium has hosted many cricket matches, including 247 One-day Internationals. The stadium boasts a Guinness World Record for hosting the maximum number of ODI matches.
Today, this stadium is considered a world-class cricket venue. Its impressive capacity holds 16000 people, providing a grand stage for cricket enthusiasts to witness thrilling matches!
History of Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium, a vision of Abdul Rahman Bukhatir in the 1980s, is located on Second Industrial Street, Sharjah. Opened in 1982, it was the first dedicated cricket stadium in the UAE.
Initially, it hosted benefit games like the Gavaskar XI vs Miandad XI tribute matches. The stadium soon became famous for high-octane matches, especially between India and Pakistan, attracting many expats from the subcontinent.
This period, extending into the late 1990s, saw cricket flourish in Sharjah. Despite facing challenges in the early 2000s due to off-field controversies, the stadium has experienced a remarkable revival.
Timeline of Cricket Matches Held in Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The following is the timeline of the matches hosted by Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The list starts from the first match ever to the most recent one.
- 1984: First Asia Cup – Rothmans Asia Cup
- 1986: Austral-Asia Cup
- 1986: First Sharjah Champions Trophy
- 1996: Pepsi Sharjah Cup, 100th ODI Match hosted at SCS INDIA VS SA, 14th April 1996
- 1997: Akai-Singer Champions Trophy, First D/N Match, India VS England 11th December 1997
- 2002: Hosted First International Test Match: Pakistan VS West Indies – Jan 31-Feb 4, 2002
- 2003: Cherry Blossom Sharjah Cup
- 2010: Afghanistan Vs Canada, 200th ODI SCS Match, 18th February 2010
- 2011: Honored Guinness World Record – 20th Nov 2011
- 2012: ICC World Cricket League – Mar 2012
- 2012: Celebrities Cricket League (CCL)
- 2013: Hosted First T20 International – Afghanistan VS Scotland
- 2013: Sharjah Super Sixes, May 2013
- 2014: Indian Premier League (IPL), Apr 2014
- 2016: Masters Champions League (MCL), Feb 2016
- 2016: Pakistan Super League (PSL), Feb 2016
- 2017: Pakistan Super League (PSL), Feb 2017
- 2017: T10 League, Dec 2017
- 2018: Pakistan Super League (PSL), Feb 2018
- 2018: Afghanistan Premier League (APL), Oct 2018
- 2018: T10 League, Nov 2018
- 2019: Pakistan Super League (PSL), Feb 2019
- 2020: Indian Premier League (IPL), Sep 2020
- 2021: Indian Premier League (IPL), Aug 2021
- 2021: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Oct 2021
- 2022: Asia Cup, Aug 2022
- 2023: International League T20, Jan 2023
- 2023: Afghanistan Vs Pakistan T20i Series, Mar 2023
- 2023: UAE Vs West Indies ODI Series, Jun 2023
Exciting Facts About Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Let’s take a closer look at this Stadium’s captivating mysteries and facts.
A Historical Place
The stadium holds the title of being the oldest cricket stadium in the UAE. Established in 1982, the venue has witnessed many iconic rivalries in cricket history.
Cricket Rivalry Hub
Sharjah Cricket Stadium has been a battleground for some remarkable cricket matches between rival teams. It has witnessed encounters between teams like India, Pakistan, South Africa, Australia, the West Indies and England. The stadium has an electric atmosphere with a passionate audience every time, making every moment unforgettable.
Record-breaking Venue
Sharjah Cricket Stadium has set many records over the years. It holds the record for hosting the most One Day International (ODI) matches. In 2006, it witnessed the highest-ever ODI score of 443 runs scored in a match between Sri Lanka and Netherlands.
Holds Many Iconic Match Moments
Many iconic match moments have taken place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. One of the most memorable is Sachin Tendulker’s desert storm innings against Team Australia. It happened in 1998 and still rules the hearts of cricket lovers all over the world.
Another is the thrilling six in the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup final by Javed Miandad from the Pakistan Cricket Team. Javed Miandad became a hero by hitting a six off the last ball of the match between India and Pakistan. That too on a typical hot day in the UAE!
Unique Location
Sharjah Cricket Stadium is situated in the middle of the desert, adding to its unique charm. The stunning backdrop of sand dunes and the warm desert climate create a distinctive cricketing experience for players and viewers.
Facilities at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Apart from hosting electrical matches, Sharjah Stadium also offers many state-of-the-art facilities, which are as follows:
Sharjah Cricket Academy
Sharjah Cricket Academy was established in 1985 under the umbrella of the Sharjah Cricket Council. It is one of the oldest academies in the UAE and offers world-class training to over a hundred cricketers.
The academy has top-notch cricket coaches to ensure the students understand the game thoroughly and are trained professionally. It includes various teams such as youth, women, and seniors. The academy has trained over 150 players aged 7-16, many of whom have represented the women’s national team.
Currently, the academy trains students aged 5 to 20 years and also offers programs for adults.
Gym Fitness
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium also has a gym with modern facilities to ensure the wel-being of the players and others! Here, you will find all state-of-the-art equipment to improve your physical health and boost your confidence.
Swimming Pool
Swimming is an excellent way to stay active both physically and mentally. It can be learned and enjoyed at any age or skill level. Whether you are swimming to maintain your fitness or just learning how to swim, this pool has you covered. Its wide variety of swimming sessions is designed to help you build water confidence.
Upcoming Cricket Matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The Sharjah Stadium is all set to host One-day Internationals in September 2024. Here are the details:
1st ODI (D/N)
- Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2024
- Time: 5:00 PM
- Teams: Afghanistan vs South Africa
2nd ODI (D/N)
- Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2024
- Time: 5:00 PM
- Teams: Afghanistan vs South Africa
3rd ODI (D/N)
- Date: Sun, 22 Sep 2024
- Time: 5:00 PM
- Teams: Afghanistan vs South Africa
Address and Contact Details of Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The following are the contact and location details for the stadium:
- Address: Industrial Area 5, Sharjah, UAE – 88
- Contact: +971 65 422 991
FAQs
Sharjah Cricket Stadium is famous for hosting the highest number of international matches, with 294 games. Initially constructed in the early 1980s, the stadium has undergone significant improvements over the years. It also hosted its first international matches in April 1984 during the Asia Cup.
Sharjah is one of the most used cricket venues in the Middle East. Its dimensions, 62 metres down the ground and 65 metres square of the wicket, favour boundary hitting.
Sharjah Stadium is a massive place with a capacity of 16000 people at a time.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium holds a significant place in cricket history for its numerous records and milestones. Interested in learning more about life in Sharjah? Here are some top-notch villas for rent in Sharjah that are worth exploring.
