A former cricketer turned curator, he has built an extraordinary museum that preserves rare memorabilia and the timeless legacy of the gentleman’s game

For some, cricket is a sport. For Mr. Shyam Bhatia, it has been a lifelong passion and mission. A former first-class cricketer, cricket historian, publisher of books on cricket, and founder of one of the world's most remarkable private cricket museums, Mr. Bhatia has devoted his life to preserving the rich heritage of the game.

Mr. Bhatia's cricketing journey began in India during his childhood. After representing his school and college teams, he went on to play for Rajasthan and Saurashtra before making his mark in first-class cricket. At the age of 19, he was playing for the prestigious Bombay Gymkhana in Mumbai, one of India's most celebrated cricket institutions.

In 1965, Mr. Bhatia moved to Dubai, where his passion for cricket continued unabated. He remained an active cricketer for many years, formed his own teams, and toured extensively. His dedication to the game played a significant role in promoting cricket in the Gulf region during its early years.

The idea of establishing a cricket museum was born during the formative years of international cricket in Sharjah. As the famous Sharjah tournaments gained popularity, legendary cricketers from India, Pakistan, and other cricketing nations frequently visited Mr. Bhatia's home. Known for his warm hospitality, he regularly hosted players, commentators, and cricket officials for lunches and dinners. As tokens of appreciation, many of them gifted him signed bats, balls, jerseys, and other memorable items.