A day before the final ODI, Richards lauded the cricket stadium in Abu Dhabi after having been more accustomed to the popular Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

“This is a magnificent venue,” Sir Viv said. “This is my first time here and I am very impressed. It is great to see how well the game has developed in the UAE.

“We used to play in Sharjah previously, but now to see this here in Abu Dhabi, it is as impressive as anywhere in the world. I am very happy to be here amongst such wonderful people.”

The Caribbean legend also praised the mix of young and old people who thronged to the matches held in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) International Cricket Manager, Usman Wallah expressed his joy at the level of interest that the people of Abu Dhabi have shown in the series which helps Pakistan gain more fan following in the UAE, their adoptive home.

“We haven’t been able to play at home in Pakistan, but this is our home ground now,” Wallah opined. “Our test record in particular at this ground in Abu Dhabi has been phenomenal and that is literally because of all the support we get from Abu Dhabi Cricket Club in order to put up our games here.”

Wallah also spoke about the impact of the PCB’s partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, which has helped in drawing big crowds to the games at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

“It is the initiatives that the Sports Council has taken and our working together with them that has resulted in big crowds coming to the game. We want to keep this partnership going to make sure that cricket remains healthy and that we keep coming back to Abu Dhabi.”

David East, the chief executive of the Emirates Cricket Board, lauded the Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their support in encouraging more cricket to reach Abu Dhabi.

The three-match ODI series has already been won 2-0 by Pakistan after they dominated in the first two ODIs that were held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. It remains to be seen whether a change of venue will lead to a change of fortunes for the Windies.