• The match-fixing scandal that left India red-faced in world cricket, many feel, had strong links to Sharjah. Apparently, the Indian government wasn’t quite keen on Indian cricketers playing there again

• Also, sources say, the previous board chief Jagmohan Dalmiya is perceived to be close to Abdul Rehman Bukhatir, whose CBFS made Sharjah a cricket centre.

‘‘This (Abu Dhabi) project is controlled by the state government and not by any private institute like CBFS, the accountability factor is more,’’ says an ADCC official.

For the ADCC then, the shift has meant success after five years. The Sheikh Zayed stadium, amidst of a huge expanse of white sand, is an assembled piece of carefully mowed lush green grass, two giant electronic screens, and two hills for spectators.

Officials point to the larger picture: the stadium is part of an integral part of the Zayed sports city—there’s already a 36-hole golf course alongside. And outside, the local administration is working overtime to lay out new approach roads to the venue.

As for tomorrow, officials say they working on a ‘‘spectacular’’ laser and fireworks show during the break between innings with around 200 acrobats doing their bit. That, they hope, will announce Abu Dhabi’s entry to the world stage.