Sharjah Cricket Stadium Expansion Completed Ahead of Asia Cup
Legendary Venue Transformed
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium, one of cricket's most iconic venues, has completed a comprehensive $120 million expansion and modernization project. The historic ground, which has hosted over 250 One Day Internationals since 1984, now features a capacity of 35,000 spectators, up from 27,000, with world-class facilities befitting its status as a premier international cricket venue.
The expansion was completed ahead of schedule, with the stadium ready to host the Asia Cup 2025 in September. The renovation was undertaken by the Sharjah Cricket Council in partnership with the Emirates Cricket Board, with the goal of positioning the UAE as the cricket hub for the Middle East and South Asian diaspora.
Enhanced Stadium Features
The expansion includes significant upgrades across all areas of the stadium:
Seating and Hospitality
8,000 additional premium seats across three new grandstands
24 luxury corporate boxes with private catering and viewing balconies
VIP pavilion featuring fine dining restaurant and exclusive member lounges
Family zones with dedicated facilities for children and women
Wheelchair-accessible seating increased to 400 spaces throughout the venue
Player Facilities
Expanded dressing rooms meeting ICC elite standards with individual climate control
State-of-the-art gymnasium and recovery facilities for both teams
Indoor practice nets with bowling machines and video analysis systems
Medical and physiotherapy center staffed by sports medicine specialists
Player dining area with dedicated chefs and customized nutrition options
Broadcasting and Media
New media center accommodating 200 journalists with high-speed internet
Eight commentary positions with climate-controlled booths
Enhanced broadcast facilities supporting 4K and 8K production
Dedicated TV studio for pre and post-match analysis shows
Spider cam system and additional camera positions for comprehensive coverage
Playing Surface Upgrades
The playing field itself has undergone significant enhancements to ensure world-class playing conditions:
A new drainage system was installed to handle the UAE's occasional heavy rainfall, allowing play to resume within 30 minutes of weather delays. The outfield has been completely re-turfed with premium grass imported from Australia, providing consistent bounce and fast fielding conditions.
The pitch preparation area now includes five practice pitches alongside the main square, all utilizing advanced soil monitoring systems to maintain optimal moisture and hardness levels. A team of groundskeepers from Australia and India have been appointed to ensure the pitches meet ICC standards and provide balanced contests between bat and ball.
Sustainability Initiatives
The expansion incorporates significant environmental considerations, making Sharjah Cricket Stadium one of the most sustainable cricket venues in the world:
10,000 solar panels installed on stadium roofs generating 60% of power requirements
Advanced water recycling system reducing consumption by 40%
LED lighting throughout the stadium and floodlights reducing energy usage by 70%
Zero single-use plastic policy with biodegradable food and beverage containers
Electric vehicle charging stations for 100 cars in the parking facilities
Historic Venue's Legacy
Sharjah Cricket Stadium holds a special place in cricket history, having hosted some of the sport's most memorable moments over four decades:
1984: First international match held at the venue, establishing it as cricket's desert fortress
1986: Australia vs India final draws 20,000 fans, the largest cricket crowd in the Middle East at that time
1998: Sachin Tendulkar's "Desert Storm" innings of 143 against Australia in a sandstorm, considered one of cricket's greatest ODI innings
2010s: Becomes regular venue for Pakistan "home" matches due to security concerns
2021: Successfully hosts multiple IPL and T20 World Cup matches during the pandemic
Asia Cup 2025 Preparations
The expanded stadium will be the primary venue for the Asia Cup 2025, hosting seven matches including both semifinals and the final:
Tournament organizers expect sellout crowds for matches involving India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and UAE. The UAE's large South Asian expatriate population, combined with cricket tourism from the subcontinent, is projected to generate significant economic impact for Sharjah and the wider emirate.
Special fan zones will be established outside the stadium featuring live music, food stalls representing all participating nations, and cricket activities for families. The Sharjah Tourism Authority estimates the Asia Cup will attract 150,000 international visitors and generate AED 500 million in economic activity.
Future Cricket Hub
Beyond hosting international matches, Sharjah Cricket Stadium is positioning itself as a comprehensive cricket development center:
The Sharjah Cricket Council has announced plans to establish a cricket academy adjacent to the stadium, opening in 2026. The facility will feature six full-size practice pitches, indoor training halls, and residential accommodation for 120 students. The academy will focus on developing Emirati cricket talent while also offering programs for the expatriate community.
A cricket museum celebrating the stadium's 40-year history is under construction and will open in time for the Asia Cup. The museum will feature interactive exhibits, memorabilia from historic matches, and a state-of-the-art cricket simulation experience allowing visitors to face virtual deliveries from legendary bowlers
Economic Impact
The stadium expansion is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to Sharjah:
500 permanent jobs created in stadium operations, hospitality, and management
2,000 temporary jobs during major tournaments and events
Increased hotel occupancy across Sharjah during cricket season
Estimated annual economic impact of AED 800 million from cricket-related tourism and spending
Enhanced global profile for Sharjah as a sporting and business destination
Confirmed Match Schedule
The following major cricket events are confirmed for Sharjah Cricket Stadium in 2025-2026:
September 2025: Asia Cup
Seven matches including semifinals and final, featuring India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and UAE
November 2025: Pakistan vs England ODI Series
Three ODIs as Pakistan continues using UAE as alternate home venue
March 2026: IPL Opening Weekend
Four IPL matches featuring top franchises as part of the tournament's international expansion
October 2026: T20 World Cup Qualifier
Qualifying tournament for 2027 T20 World Cup, featuring associate nations and emerging teams
Expert Perspective
"The Sharjah Cricket Stadium expansion represents a significant investment in cricket's future in the Middle East. The enhanced facilities meet the highest international standards while the increased capacity allows more fans to experience live cricket. This venue will continue to play a crucial role in cricket's global growth, particularly in engaging the massive cricket-loving diaspora communities across the UAE."
- Khalaf Bukhatir, Chairman, Sharjah Cricket Council
Visiting the Stadium
For cricket fans planning to visit Sharjah Cricket Stadium:
Location: Al Qasimiyah, Sharjah, UAE - 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, 20 minutes from central Dubai
Parking: 5,000 spaces available, free parking for all ticket holders with enhanced security and lighting
Public Transport: Dedicated bus services from Dubai, Ajman, and Sharjah city center on match days
Stadium Tours: Available daily except during matches, AED 50 per person, booking required through the Sharjah Cricket Council website
