Former Pakistan cricket captain Ramiz Raja recently shared his fond memories as Sharjah Cricket Stadium celebrated hosting its 300th international match. This milestone was reached during the first ODI of a three-match series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh on November 6.
“Sharjah always brings back some great memories. We had some of our best moments here, especially against India,” Raja said at a special ceremony honoring the stadium’s achievement.
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which first hosted an international tournament in 1984, became the premier neutral venue in the 1980s and 1990s, drawing top cricketing nations and packed audiences.
“It was truly a sight to behold, with a full house and top-tier teams playing. It’s an unforgettable part of my cricketing history,” Raja added.
The former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board praised Abdul Rahman Bukhatir for his visionary role in establishing Sharjah as a key cricket venue. “Credit goes to Mr. Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, not only for being an exceptional administrator but also for being a genuinely warm person. His attention to detail ensured seamless experiences for players, including personal welcomes at the airport. We always looked forward to playing here,” said Raja.
Notably, Javagal Srinath, now the match referee for the ongoing series, made his international debut for India at Sharjah in 1991.
Raja, who scored 1,203 runs in 37 ODI matches at the stadium, concluded by saying, “As I mentioned, Sharjah brings back wonderful memories. Congratulations on this milestone, and keep up the great work. We always feel at home here.”
