IPL 2020: Jay Shah declares Sharjah ready to host games

Indian fans grown up watching cricket in the 1980s and 1990s cherish numerous indelible memories of the games played in coloured attire. Sharjah then emerged as the hub of limited-overs cricket.

The sprawling stadium in the midst of the desert became the battleground for many an epochal India-Pakistan battle, with the expatriate fans in the stands adding fuel to the excitement.

Then came the darker chapter of match-fixing that drove India from this desert capital of cricket.

Sharjah is yet again decked up to host India’s biggest cricket celebration – the Indian Premier League.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Jay Shah has examined the venue that will host 12 of the 60 IPL 2020 matches and given a thumbs up for its readiness. Shah has expressed his satisfaction after inspection of arrangements at the Sharjah Stadium.

The league will start today in Abu Dhabi at 7:30 pm India time when Mumbai Indian will open their title defence against Chennai Super Kings. Dubai is the third venue for the IPL in the UAE.

Shah was accompanied by Waleed Bukhatir, vice chairman of Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Khalaf Bukhatir, MD of Bukhatir Group and CEO of Sharjah Cricket Stadium, states a Press release.

The Sharjah stadium has recently undergone some major renovation, including setting up of new canopies, an upgraded royal suite, commentary box and VIP Hospitality boxes in total compliance with COVID-related protocols.

A few days back, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had visited the facility and expressed his delight at the arrangements.

The first match from the upcoming IPL 2020 league to be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium will be between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings on September 22nd.

Admin Sportz Front

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