Sharjah Cricket Stadium renames west stand after Sachin Tendulkar on his 50th Birthday

On the mark of Sachin Tendulkar's 50th birthday, Sharjah Cricket Stadium renames the West Stand after the legend.

Celebrating his 50th birthday on 24th April, Sachin Tendulkar got wishes poured in from around the world. As the Master Blaster turned 50th this year, the West Stand at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium has been renamed as the Sachin Tendulkar Stand in a special ceremony.

Not only to celebrate the legend's birthday but also marks the 25th anniversary of the famous back-to-back centuries he scored against Australia in 1998 in a packed stadium. First, he scored 142 runs and then two days later, he scored another century (134) in the final of the Coca-Cola Cup, a triangular series between India, Australia, and New Zealand. The knock has been registered as the "Desert Storm" in the history books.

Commenting on the decision to pay this tribute to Sachin on the anniversary of Desert Storm, the CEO of the Sharjah stadium, Khalaf Bukhatir said, “This is our small way of expressing our gratitude to Sachin for doing so much for the game of cricket. Indeed, that was an incredible innings and it was repeated in the final. 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. As administrators, we believe 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.”

Sachin Tendulkar expressed his gratitude toward the gesture saying, "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. It’s given us so many special moments. 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!”

A half-century for the centurion of centuries

Very seldom do we see a cricketer or an athlete for that matter being celebrated even after years of their retirement. Sachin Tendulkar is perhaps one such name that strikes our mind to strike out the above statement. A once-in-a-generation player, Sachin Tendulkar has been warmly and joyously celebrated by everyone across the globe, such is the repertoire of the man himself.

24th April, a date that no cricket fan can let go of easily without celebrating the day in name of Sachin Tendulkar. A couple of days back when Mumbai Indians played their home game against Punjab Kings, the Master Blaster performed a cake-cutting ceremony in front of thousands of fans.

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