Sachin Tendulkar can retire on his own terms - BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel

Sachin Tendulkar has played 198 Tests for India

Sanjay Patel, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, rubbished the reports claiming that Sachin Tendulkar is being forced to retire by the BCCI after completing his 200th Test against West Indies in Mumbai.

There have been widespread rumours about the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar and of late, it is being speculated that the BCCI has asked the 40-year-old to call time on his glittering career. Moreover, Aditya Verma, the secretary of the Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB), stirred up controversy by claiming that it was N.Srinivasan who forced the Master Blaster to retire from ODIs against his will.

Speaking to the reporters in Mumbai, Sanjay Patel said: “That is is absolutely absurd and rubbish. Let me tell you, it will be the prerogative of Mr Sachin Tendulkar. Board has not talked or asked him to resign (retire) and the Board is never going to do it because he is such a great player.

“It is entirely upto Sachin Tendulkar and selectors. The selectors should (choose to) pick him and Sachin Tendulkar should be ready to play. Board is very happy with whatever (decision) Sachin Tendulkar is taking of his own free will.”