Sachin announces retirement Sachin Tendulkar, arguably, one of the greatest batsman the game have ever seen, to hang up his boots after his 200 the test against West Indies in Mumbai , says a media release by BCCI. The iconic batsman will play his last test in the Indian soil.
The man who made breaking records his second nature is one of the greatest ambassadors of the game. On an emotional note Sachin said "All my life, I have had a dream of playing cricket for India.
I have been living this dream every day for the last 24 years. It's hard for me to imagine a life without playing cricket because it's all I have ever done since I was 11 years old"
"It's been a huge honour to have represented my country and played all over the world. I look forward to playing my 200th Test Match on home soil, as I call it a day," he added.
"I thank the BCCI for everything over the years and for permitting me to move on when my heart feels it's time! I thank my family for their patience and understanding. Most of all, I thank my fans and well-wishers who through their prayers and wishes have given me the strength to go out and perform at my best," the statement added.
The news came in the wake of the recent controversies surrounding Sachin's retirement. Sachin had earlier retired from all other formats of the game.
BCCI president Narayaswami Srinivasan paid rich tributes to Tendulkar.
"I have been an ardent follower and admirer of Sachin Tendulkar from the days he came to play Buchi Babu in Chennai. He is without doubt the greatest cricketer India has produced. In fact, one should really say he ranks among the top of all-time great sports persons in the world," he said.
Srinivasan said Tendulkar has been a true ambassador of Indian cricket.
"No one has served Indian cricket as Sachin has. He has truly been an ambassador for India and Indian cricket. He has been an inspiration for generations of sportsmen not just cricketers. We respect his decision to retire although many of us can't imagine an Indian team without Sachin," he said.
News Posted: 10 October, 2013
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