As the birthday wishes kept pouring in for one of the most influential cricketers in the world to date, several honours were bestowed on the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar. In the latest development, a stand of Sharjah cricket stadium got renamed after one of the greatest of all-time Indian icons in what was a special ceremony conducted in the UAE. Notably, Tendulkar has been bestowed this special honour courtesy of his 50th birthday.
On Monday, in a special ceremony, the 'West Stand' of the stadium was renamed as the 'Sachin Tendulkar Stand'. Fascinatingly enough, it was on his birthday, the 50-year-old produced one of the most memorable and thrilling knocks in ODI history on the same date in 1998 in Sharjah, which is famously dubbed the 'Desert Storm' century. Moreover, as a matter of coincidence, not only it was the legend's 'half-century' in terms of age number, but it also marks the 25th anniversary of his magnificent knock.
Notably, Sachin Tendulkar had smashed two historic centuries in tandem against a strong Australian side in the Coca-Cola Cup, which was a triangular series featuring- India, New Zealand, and Australia, respectively. On April 22, Tendulkar played a stellar knock of 143 runs against Australia. More importantly, India had a daunting task to qualify for the final of the series owing to achieving the required Net Run Rate (NRR) to qualify for the finals. So not only India needed to win but also needed to achieve the required minimum score with a huge asking run rate before even winning the match. But with the batting genius' positive intent and clean hitting the unthinkable turned into a reality.
Thereafter, just when fans were still dealing with the joy of his special knock, another magnanimous century was awaiting them. Two days later, on his birthday on April 24, India were playing the final against the Aussies. Sachin Tendulkar showcased his batting masterclass yet again to smack 134 runs 0ff 131 balls that resulted in a memorable series victory. In totality, out of the 34 centuries, the Master Blaster has scored Seven centuries in Sharjah.
A big thank you to Bukhatir and his team for this kind gesture: Tendulkar
Meanwhile, on this special occasion, India's greatest opener, Sachin Tendulkar, in a special message for the Sharjah cricket authorities, the legend fondly remembers the kind of unwavering support and love he received from the cricket fans. Moreover, he cherishes the amazing atmosphere of a packed stadium and thanked Khalaf Bukhatir, the CEO of the Sharjah stadium for this kind gesture.
“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,” Tendulkar said.
“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,” the 50-year-old was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.
To this, in reply, Bukhatir expressed his gratitude towards Sachin Tendulkar by saying that it was their duty to honour players who have given so much to the game of cricket with full dedication and raised the benchmark of the game. Henceforth, being an administrator, even today they seek to avail the services of retired legends in whatever capacity possible. Moreover, he did not shy away from acknowledging the Twin Centuries as of the greatest moments in the history of cricket.
“Indeed, that was an incredible inning, and it was repeated in the finals. 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,” Bukhatir stated.
“We believe that 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,” the Sharjah CEO concluded.
It is worth mentioning that the Sharjah cricket stadium holds the Guinness World record for hosting the most ODIs (244), the most by any venue. Along with that, in another honourable moment, on Monday the famous Sydney Cricket Ground aka 'The SCG' unveiled an entry gate, named after Sachin Tendulkar to honour him on his 50th birthday along with the legendary West Indian, Brian Lara.
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