Sharjah: The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has entered the Guinness Book of World Records for hosting the maximum One-day international matches in the world.
This book which lists all world record breaking efforts has issued a certificate to Sharjah Cricket Stadium officials announcing the inclusion of this venue in the new edition of the book.
This announcement comes at a time when the venue is being revived for international cricket again with Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test series to be held from November 3 and a One-day match on November 20. Sharjah has hosted 200 One-day matches since its inception in 1982.
Commenting on the honour, Abdul Rehman Bukhatir, the cricket enthusiast who brought international cricket into the desert by building the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, said: “It truly is a great honor to be a part of the Guinness World Record files. It means a lot to us and we will keep doing our best to continue to add to the number over the time. The Guinness recognition is recognition for all those who contributed immensely to successfully staging matches. It’s an honor for the UAE and especially for fans, who are our biggest supporters. We look forward to their enthusiastic response.”
Waleed Bukhatir, vice chairman of the Sharjah Cricket Club who is currently busy with the renovation of the stadium, said: “It was not easy to achieve such a huge recognition. Sharjah Stadium has moved one step ahead of anyone in the world. This venue which has many records to its credit hence deserves this honour and I am sure with cricket being revived in this venue many more records too will follow soon.”
Expressing his appreciation for his father Abdulrehman Bukhatir, Waleed Bukhatir, said: “We will carry on Bukhatir’s vision to take cricket forward. We are thankful to Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the president of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for all his support. This honour has come at the right time when the stadium is gearing up for more cricket.”
Bukhatir revealed that today, Sharjah is among the world’s most popular cricket venues due to its fans. “In this moment of glory we congratulate all the spectators who made it a success with their presence. We are confident they will continue to extend their support to the venue.”
Mazhar Khan, the secretary of the Sharjah Cricket Council revealed that the stadium will celebrate its achievement before the start of its 201st One-day match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka next month. As a mark of honour, 201 balloons will be released from the centre of the stadium.
