The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is one of the most famous cricket venues in the world. Located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, the stadium is known for its rich history and unforgettable cricket matches. It holds a Guinness World Record for hosting the most One Day Internationals (240+ ODIs), making it one of the busiest international cricket venues ever.
Unlike many modern stadiums built far from city centers, Sharjah Cricket Stadium sits right inside the city on Second Industrial Street, giving fans a very close and energetic match-day experience.
1. Sharjah Cricket Stadium Layout
Sharjah Cricket Stadium is designed with a compact layout that brings spectators extremely close to the action. This creates an intimate and loud atmosphere, especially during international matches.
Playing Field
The ground is known for its relatively short boundary dimensions, which often lead to high-scoring games.
Typical boundary lengths include:
- Straight boundary: around 58 meters
- Mid-wicket boundary: around 65 meters
Because of these dimensions, the venue is often considered a batter-friendly ground in limited-overs cricket.
Stand Structure
The stadium includes several seating sections designed for different categories of spectators.
- North Stand This stand was renovated in 2019 to improve spectator facilities and seating comfort.
- West Stand Often referred to as the Family Stand, this section is designed for families and provides a comfortable environment for children.
- Diamond Pavilion Offers premium seating with a central view of the pitch and upgraded facilities.
- Gold and Platinum Pavilions These sections provide enhanced seating comfort and excellent views of the playing field.
- VIP Suites Luxury hospitality areas such as Suite 5 and Suite 6 offer exclusive match-viewing experiences.
2. Sharjah Cricket Seating Capacity
The stadium has an approximate seating capacity of 16,000 to 17,000 spectators.
While some earlier configurations listed the capacity closer to 27,000, modern international match setups limit the crowd size to around 16,000 to ensure better safety and spectator comfort.
3. Location and Connectivity
Address:
Second Industrial Street
Industrial Area 5
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
The stadium’s central location makes it easy to reach from many parts of Sharjah and Dubai.
Transport Options
Unlike some UAE stadiums, Sharjah Cricket Stadium does not have a nearby metro station.
Visitors usually travel using:
- Taxis
- Ride-sharing services such as Careem or Uber
- Private vehicles
Parking areas are available near the stadium.
Parking Zones
The stadium provides multiple parking areas:
- Lot A – General Parking
- Lot B – VIP Parking
- Lot C – Staff Parking
Traffic congestion is common near Industrial Area 5 during major matches, so arriving early is recommended.
4. Entry Gates and Access
The stadium uses multiple entry gates to manage crowd movement efficiently.
Major Gates
- Gate 1: Usually designated for VIP guests and corporate hospitality visitors.
- Gate 2: Often used for general public entry.
For international matches, stadium gates typically open two to three hours before the match begins.
For example:
- Gates may open at 4:30 PM or 5:30 PM for a 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM match.
Arriving early helps avoid long queues at security checkpoints.
5. Ticket Information
Tickets for matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium are mainly sold through official online platforms.
Official Ticket Partners
Common ticket platforms include:
- net
- Q-Tickets
- Virgin Megastore Tickets (often used for ILT20 matches)
Tickets are typically issued as digital e-tickets that can be scanned at the stadium gate.
Ticket Price Range (2026 T20 Matches)
Ticket prices depend on the seating category.
Typical pricing includes:
- Standard / North-West Stand: from AED 30
- Diamond Pavilion: around AED 100
- Gold / Platinum Pavilion: about AED 150 – AED 200
- VIP Suites: up to AED 400
6. Facilities and Amenities
Sharjah Cricket Stadium offers a range of facilities designed to improve the spectator experience.
Spectator Amenities
Fans can access:
- Food and beverage stalls
- Clean restroom facilities
- Contactless concession counters
- Comfortable seating areas
These facilities help ensure smooth match-day operations.
Player and Media Facilities
The stadium includes:
- Professional dressing rooms
- Media and broadcast facilities
- VIP hospitality areas
These facilities allow the venue to host international cricket tournaments.
7. Major Events in 2026
Sharjah Cricket Stadium continues to host major cricket matches and entertainment events.
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Series (March 2026)
- 1st T20I: March 13, 2026
- 2nd T20I: March 15, 2026
- 3rd T20I: March 17, 2026
Concerts and Entertainment Events
The stadium is also used for large concerts.
Upcoming 2026 events include performances by:
- The Weeknd – April 22
- Pink – April 27 and 28
- Bruno Mars – June 21
Conclusion
Sharjah Cricket Stadium remains one of the most historic and beloved cricket venues in the world. With its compact design, energetic atmosphere, and record-breaking ODI history, it has hosted countless memorable cricket moments.
Despite being smaller than some modern stadiums, its central location and passionate crowd make it one of the most exciting places to watch international cricket.
