The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has named a stand after India batting legend Sachin Tendulkar in recognition of his 50th birthday.
On Monday, the venue in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosted a ceremony in honor of the former India captain, announcing that the ‘West Stand’ had been renamed the ‘Sachin Tendulkar Stand’.
Tendulkar scored 143 runs against Australia at the stadium in April 1998 in a One-Day International dubbed ‘Desert Storm’ when play was halted for 25 minutes owing to a sandstorm.
Tendulkar’s innings pushed India to the tri-series final against Australia, which India won by six wickets, with Tendulkar scoring 134 runs on his 25th birthday.
“I can’t forget his birthday celebrations,” Sharjah Cricket CEO Khalaf Bukhatir stated. “It captivated the entire audience, and I consider myself fortunate to have been present.”
“That day is special not just to Sachin, but to everyone who witnessed it,” he added.
On Monday, the Sydney Cricket Ground paid tribute to Tendulkar by erecting gates named after him and West Indies batsman Brian Lara.
Tendulkar retired from professional cricket in 2013 following a spectacular 24-year career that included an unparalleled 100 international hundreds.
