How a lost cricketing haven was revived by the glitz and glamour of the IPL
For Indian cricket fans of the ‘80s and ‘90s, Sharjah is more than just a city—it’s a feeling. It’s where Sachin Tendulkar’s ‘Desert Storm’ became legendary, Javed Miandad’s last-ball six shattered millions of hearts, and Sanath Jayasuriya left bowlers gasping for breath.
Then, suddenly, it was gone. Once the beating heart of Asian cricket, Sharjah fell into exile after the match-fixing scandals of the early 2000s. For years, the floodlights dimmed, the stands sat empty, and the echoes of past glories faded into the desert wind.
But in 2014, the IPL brought the old warhorse back to life.
When the 2014 IPL clashed with India’s general elections, the tournament needed to find a temporary home. With its modern stadiums and cricket-hungry expat population, the UAE became the obvious choice. Suddenly, Sharjah was back in the spotlight, hosting its first top-tier tournament in over a decade.
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And it didn’t disappoint. The compact yet electric stadium delivered high-scoring thrillers, nail-biting finishes, and a wave of nostalgia. For older fans, it was a reunion with an old friend. For younger ones, it was an introduction to a ground that once dominated the cricketing world.
The stadium’s small boundaries and rock-hard pitch made it a batter’s paradise. Bowlers could not conceal themselves, and the crowd reveled in the action. Glenn Maxwell, representing Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), played a brutal 89 off 45 balls against the Rajasthan Royals, marked one of the greatest innings ever played at the venue.
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Chennai thrived in Sharjah, true to their reputation, employing their firepower to clinch high-scoring contests. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders achieved a dramatic two-run victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, creating one of the most thrilling moments of the UAE leg.
However, not everyone relished Sharjah’s batting paradise. The Mumbai Indians, the defending champions at the time, endured a horror run, failing to secure a single match.
Despite being far from India, Sharjah felt like a home venue for most teams. The stands were filled with expats waving blue, yellow, and red flags, turning every match into a festival. The chants, the roars, and the tension felt like vintage Sharjah, minus Tony Greig’s booming voice.
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What made it even more special was how seamlessly the stadium embraced the IPL’s modern glitz. The floodlights, the flashing LED boards, the pulsating music—it all blended perfectly with the venue's old-school charm. It was proof that despite its years in exile, Sharjah had lost none of its magic.
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The 2014 IPL didn’t just give Sharjah a temporary facelift—it breathed new life into it. It reminded the cricketing world why this small desert ground once captured the sport’s imagination.
In the years that followed, Sharjah continued to be a player, hosting IPL matches in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic. However, its return in 2014 felt distinct. It wasn’t a backup venue or a last-minute adjustment but a remarkable comeback.
