Sachin Tendulkar Stand unveiled at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on cricketer's 50th birthday

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The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has honoured former India captain Sachin Tendulkar on his 50th birthday by naming a stand after him. The iconic venue in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where Tendulkar has played numerous memorable knocks held a ceremony announcing that the 'West Stand' had been renamed the 'Sachin Tendulkar Stand'.

The batting legend's iconic 'Desert Storm' innings against Australia came at the same venue. In the match, he smashed 143 runs at the stadium on April 22, 1998 after play was disrupted for 25 minutes due to a sand storm. The knock consisted of nine fours and five sixes.

India lost the match but the stupendous knock helped India qualify in the final of the tri-series which also involved New Zealand. In the final against Australia, Tendulkar slammed another hundred (134) as India won by six wickets.

"I can't forget his birthday celebrations," said Khalaf Bukhatir, the chief executive of Sharjah Cricket. "It mesmerised the whole audience and I feel lucky to have been there.

"That day is not just special to Sachin but special to everyone who witnessed it."

The 'Master Blaster' has also thanked the management for the kind gesture, adding that he would have loved to attend the event if not for his prior commitments.

“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 has given us so many special moments.

“A big thank you to [Khalaf] 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," he was quoted as saying in a TOI report:

The Sydney Cricket Ground also paid tribute to Tendulkar on Monday, unveiling a set of gates named after him and West Indies great Brian Lara.

Tendulkar retired from cricket in 2013 after notching a still unmatched 100 international hundreds in a glittering 24-year career. He also holds the record for most ODI and Test runs.