Popular and iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates has created a new history in international cricket by hosting the three-match ODI series opener between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. 

Sharjah Cricket Stadium: First to host 300 international matches

Sharjah Cricket Stadium will host all the three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, starting on November 6. The first game of the ODI series is the 300th men’s international cricket match at the venue. It is the first venue in the men’s international cricket history to host 300 international matches. 

Last September, during the first ODI of the three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and South Africa, Sharjah Cricket Stadium became the first venue to host 250 men’s ODI matches. Apart from 253 ODIs, including the ODI series opener between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, this venue has also hosted 38 men’s T20Is and nine men’s Tests. 

The first men’s international match at this venue was recorded between Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup 1984, which was an ODI format tournament. 

The legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar recorded seven ODI centuries at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the joint record for most ODI centuries at this venue along with former Pakistan cricketer Saeed Anwar. Sachin's famous “Desert Storm” in 1998 shined at this venue.

In 2023, on the occasion of Sachin Tendulkar’s 50th birthday, the West Stand at Sharjah Cricket Stadium was renamed the ”Sachin Tendulkar Stand”. 

SEE ALSO: Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Why Perth remains a tough start for India against Australia?

Teams played most matches at Sharjah

Sharjah Cricket Stadium also holds the record for most men’s international cricket matches for Pakistan at a single venue. Pakistan have played 144 international matches here. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, India, and Afghanistan have played 87, 72, and 54 men’s international matches, respectively. Talking about India men’s most international cricket matches at one venue, Sharjah is on top along with Eden Gardens in Kolkata as they have played 72 international matches on each ground. 

Venues with 250+ international matches

Only four venues have crossed the 250-mark for hosting men’s international cricket matches. Australia’s Sydney Cricket Ground and Melbourne Cricket Ground have hosted 291 and 287 men’s international matches, respectively. Zimbabwe’s Harare Sports Club has also recorded 267 men’s international matches.