(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of Sharjah Sports Council, visited the Sharjah Stadium to witness the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab.

He was hosted by Waleed Bukhatir, Vice Chairman of Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Khalaf Bukhatir, Managing Director of Bukhatir Group and CEO of Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

While there he expressed satisfaction with the way in which this world's leading venue for one-dayers added a whole new dimension of excitement to the IPL matches with seven straight scores of plus 200.

He said, 'Hosting the IPL has brought life back to Sharjah and the UAE post-lockdown and we are so grateful for this opportunity to showcase our beautiful Emirate to the world once again.

He said that the honour of hosting world-class tournaments like the IPL and the Women's T20 Challenge were well deserved and the credit for placing Sharjah on the global sporting map went to the father of cricket in the desert Abdulrahman Bukhatir.

He said Abdulrahman Bukhatir created a rich and diverse legacy for the game in the region and made us all proud.

Viewing the refurbished facility he stated that the future was bright and the Council would work in close consonance with the stadium team to ensure more top class tournaments both from within the country and by invitation to other nations.

He also expressed his excitement at the planned cricket museum, which will be fittingly integrated into the stadium complex.

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