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Sachin Tendulkar has decided to call it quits. In a media statement released through the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Thursday afternoon, the 40-year-old Tendulkar said his 200th Test will be the last time he will be seen in India colours. This milestone match, against the West Indies, will most probably be held in Mumbai next month.
Tendulkar thus ended weeks of speculation on his Test retirement. He had already quit limited overs cricket in December 2012 and the pressure to give up the longer format mounted in recent times after he failed to come good with the bat. For a man who scored a record 51 Test centuries, Tendulkar's last hundred came against South Africa in Cape Town in January 2011. In 198 Test matches, Tendulkar, regarded the greatest batsman of his generation, scored 15837 runs at an average of 53.86. He slammed 67 fifties and an unbeaten 248 against Bangladesh in Dhaka in December 2004 was his best ever.
In an emotional statement, Tendulkar 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.
"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."(NDTV)
Here is a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
MEDIA RELEASE
Sachin Tendulkar has contacted the President, BCCI, and has requested the BCCI to release the following statement to the Media, on his behalf:
"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.
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.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sanjay Patel
Hony. Secretary
BCCI (Source: NDTV)
Comments - 23
Comments - Tendulkar to retire after 200th Test
Kiris Baba Amaray Thursday, 10 October 2013 01:19 PM
The whole world should learn a lot from 10-dul-car.
01
Lion Blood Friday, 11 October 2013 08:53 AM
not everyone just thinks about money like you. if he only cared about millions, he could have retired years ago. what do you know about true passion for anything? Test Cricket has been his life since he was 16 years old! Don't pretend you understand what that's like
00
sobers Friday, 11 October 2013 08:24 AM
A very Good cricketer and gentleman. Best wishes for the future, Hope BCCI will make use of your experiences.
00
Dharshan Friday, 11 October 2013 06:58 AM
we salute you , Sir! you have brought honour to the continent of Asia! Your legacy will outlive you! God bless you!
00
mawella Friday, 11 October 2013 12:34 AM
The Great Cricketer in our times, as we were not able to see Sir Don Brandon. Its wonderful live in a era, where Sachin played cricket not for India, but for the whole world
02
Rajvinodh Thursday, 10 October 2013 04:25 PM
One earth One sachin .. All the best sir
01
idroos2002 Thursday, 10 October 2013 03:18 PM
Anyway life is far greater than cricket .Cricket is life entertaining to some ,but life is not cricket
01
viv Thursday, 10 October 2013 03:07 PM
What ever posted and commented by viewers with minimal cricketing knowledge
YOU ARE A LEGEND
i just read the comments by past / present cricketers around the world and they say all of it ,
01
ruwan Thursday, 10 October 2013 01:59 PM
thank god, about time
12
dr ceylonn Thursday, 10 October 2013 01:29 PM
once made millions,why bother too much,just retire and enjoy the life.
20
Fayad Thursday, 10 October 2013 11:01 AM
You are a legend, but your delay may have ruined some of the promising cricketers future. refer the last three years of your career
32
Kiris Baba Amaray Thursday, 10 October 2013 01:18 PM
I am 58 yrs old, a cricketer - never seen cricketers playing strokes like you did during 1986-2000 Sir. You are great indeed.
01
Kiris Baba Amaray Thursday, 10 October 2013 01:16 PM
He is really a "Legend" no doubt. We respect you Sir.......
01
Kiris Baba Amaray Thursday, 10 October 2013 01:12 PM
You are a great Legend Sir...... no-one can reach your frame.
02
nalaka Thursday, 10 October 2013 01:10 PM
true but he is not the best as the media blots him
52
Victor Thursday, 10 October 2013 12:18 PM
Sorry Fayad,
India won the world cup in 2011. (2 years ago) He scored the 2nd highest total in the tournament . He scored 85 against Pakistan in semifinal and that is why India came to final. He was scoring average but not the centuries as earlier. None the less he is far superior than any of the current lot.
04
clueless Thursday, 10 October 2013 11:56 AM
We salute you for the entertainment provided, however your dream of playing on and on for India may have ruined the dreams of many up and coming talent. good luck, devote your time to give back for the game world wide.
13
Victor Thursday, 10 October 2013 11:50 AM
A Great Asset and Crowd puller to cricket. He made the modern era of cricket and it is his talent made lot of people to follow cricket. We will miss you SACHIN .
03
ANTON Thursday, 10 October 2013 11:28 AM
WELL DONE LITTLE MASTER , YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO SHOWED THE WORLD, CONSISTENCY OF CRICKETING TALENT WITH AGE, WISH YOU ALL THE BEST, NAMASTHE.
04
meenavan Thursday, 10 October 2013 11:27 AM
In Sri lanka Sanath who played cricket for the country become deputy minister today.....what about you...???
12
unchikun Thursday, 10 October 2013 11:11 AM
Is Ranil waiting for the 200th defeat?
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