Sharjah : Sharjah Cricket Stadium will create history tomorrow by hosting its 200th one-day international match when Afghanistan take on Canada in their second match of the two-match series.
This stadium, which has produced many memorable moments, is even now etched in the memory of every fan around the world. The man who built this stadium and brought international cricket to UAE was Abdul Rahman Bukhatir.
In pictures: UAE's long history with cricket
Speaking to Gulf News on the eve of the historic occasion, Bukhatir said: "I am delighted with the contribution that this stadium has made to world cricket. It provided great moments and also enabled many cricketers to make a mark in international cricket. Through the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS), we could also reward many international cricketers for their contribution to the game."
It was Bukhatir, Chairman of CBFS, along with the late Qasim Noorani, the President of the CBFS, and Asif Iqbal, the co-ordinator and former Pakistan captain, who transformed this stadium into one of the most popular grounds in the world, racing past stadiums like Melbourne and Sydney Cricket Ground to host the maximum number of international matches.
Zahid Noorani, son of Qasim, recalling the contribution of his father to the success of the stadium, said: "This is one of the happiest days of my life, but it is also tinged with sadness. My father would have been so happy on this occasion and I really miss his presence on this occasion.
Lifetime dream
"CBFS was my father's life and it wa s his dream that 200 ODI's would be played in Sharjah. Till the end he spoke about holding and arranging 200 ODI's in Sharjah.
"This monumental occasion is also testimony to the fact that this great institution created by Bukhatir, with the assistance of my father, will pass the test of time. Great institutions created with good intentions and sincere management last forever and this 200th ODI is an acknowledgment of that fact."
The matches at the illustrious venue were all so keenly-fought that it had reached a stage where cricket fans around the world eagerly awaited for the action begin in Sharjah. The stadium always dished out the best from most of the cricketers around the world.
Have your say
Do you miss the action in the Sharjah Cricket Stadium? What was the most memorable match you have seen in the stadium? Tell us.
