The iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates recently marked a historic milestone, becoming the first international cricket venue to host 300 men’s international matches.
This achievement was reached during the first ODI of a three-match series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, held on November 6, 2024 (Wednesday). The ground has become synonymous with cricketing history, having hosted an impressive 253 ODIs, 38 T20Is, and 9 Test matches.

| Ground | Years | Total Matches | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 1984-2024 | 300 | 9 | 253 | 38 |
| Sydney Cricket Ground | 1882-2024 | 291 | 112 | 161 | 18 |
| Melbourne Cricket Ground | 1877-2024 | 287 | 116 | 152 | 19 |
| Harare Sports Club | 1992-2024 | 267 | 39 | 182 | 46 |
| Lord’s | 1884-2024 | 227 | 147 | 70 | 10 |
| Shere Bangla National Stadium | 2006-2024 | 211 | 28 | 120 | 63 |
| R. Premadasa Stadium | 1986-2024 | 207 | 9 | 151 | 47 |
| Kennington Oval | 1880-2024 | 200 | 107 | 76 | 17 |
Sharjah's legacy is well-known among cricket enthusiasts, with its reputation boosted further in 2023 when the West Stand was renamed the Sachin Tendulkar Stand to honour the legendary Indian batsman on his birthday. Tendulkar’s unforgettable innings of 143 and 134 during the 1998 Coca-Cola Cup, often referred to as the “desert storm,” remain etched in cricket history as some of the most iconic performances ever played on this ground.
Beyond the milestone, Sharjah’s continued relevance in international cricket is reinforced by its ability to host significant matches, such as the recent clash between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Winning the toss, Afghanistan's captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chose to bat, highlighting the expected conditions as favourable for batting during the day but tricky under lights. This venue’s enduring place in cricket history is undeniable, from Tendulkar’s memorable performances to hosting milestone matches.