The revamped Sharjah Cricket Stadium dressed in IPL colours is ready for action and thrillers

 By K.R. Nayar

The revamped Sharjah Cricket Stadium is literally glowing after having dressed up in the Indian Premier League (IPL) colours. A walk through the new facilities at the stadium before the first match of the second leg of the IPL here was exciting. This historic stadium, which figures in the Guinness Book of World Records for hosting the maximum number of One Day International matches, looks set for more landmarks and is expected to carry on the tradition of producing thrillers.

Sharjah Cricket Stadium ... it all started here 

The revamped Sharjah Cricket Stadium has dressed up to host the second leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. This historic venue, which figures in the Guinness Book of World Records for having hosted the maximum One Day International matches in world cricket, is literally soaked in IPL’s colours. It was from here that international cricket took its first steps in UAE, and hence, right at the entrance to the stadium are the words “Sharjah Cricket- welcome to the Home Of Cricket in the UAE.”

A blue carpet welcome 

IPL matches will commence here with Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday (September 24, 2021). Whenever I walk into this venue, from where I have reported over 200 One Day International matches from the 1980’s, it takes me on a nostalgic trip. The fact that the first match of the IPL commences on a Friday here makes it more special because during the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series matches in the '80s, there used to be some thrilling matches on Fridays in front of a packed stadium, and surely, they still live on in the memories of many fans. Many teams have taken pride in claiming that Fridays at Sharjah are special for them, and some have even coined slogans about it. So will it be Bangalore’s or Chennai’s Friday on September 24?

Portraits of captains line up the walls of the Royal Suite 

It was a pleasure to walk through the stadium today (Thursday) and take a close look at the renovations at the venue, especially before the whole venue gets soaked in the excitement and noise of the fans after a long time. Although this is the oldest stadium in the UAE, today it looks as if it is newly built. Every seat has been painted blue with clear instructions to maintain distance between seats and strictly adhere to the Covid protocols.  

Mazhar Khan, General Manager Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Speaking to Cricketlovers.com. Mazhar Khan, General Manager, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, said: “The stadium has always been for the cricket fans and of the cricket fans; hence we have tried to give the best of facilities for them to enjoy the game. It feels good that we have been able to revamp the stadium and be ready for the IPL and Twenty20 World Cup.”

The framed certificate from Guinness World Records

Adhering to the blue colour of the IPL, instead of a red carpet welcome, a blue carpet will welcome VIPs into the Royal Suite. On the walls at the entrance of the main venue office hangs the framed certificate from the Guinness World Records presented on February 18, 2010. A little away from it is an autographed picture of Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain and the current President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).  Framed photographs capturing some of the historical moments from this ground line the walls, and very soon a museum depicting tales of this historic stadium will be set up.

Autographed picture of Sourav Ganguly 

Abdulrehman Bukhatir, who brought international cricket to UAE, and his sons are working towards ensuring that this venue remains as a monument for world cricket. This stadium has played a vital role in popularizing limited over cricket and then gone on to host Test matches as well, and is now all set to stage a World Cup too!

The new press box 

The new press box will give journalists a closer look at the action in the middle since it has been shifted to the front row of the majestic pavilion. A Media Centre has also been created. The dining areas for guests and players look colourful with the name of each IPL team glittering from the lit-up frames on the walls. 

The colourful dinning area

The VIP Lounge is decorated with paintings and colour photographs of all captains of the present IPL teams. There are facilities for round table discussions as well while watching a match. 

One of the furnished hospitality boxes

People who have watched matches in Sharjah from the eighties believe that cricket turns special here, and hence it is always said, “Come over to witness the magic of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.” 

Seats painted in blue with instructions to maintain safe distance 

Be it domestic cricket or international matches or franchise leagues, the tradition of producing thrillers at Sharjah has continued unabated.