Tendulkar to retire after his 200th Test match

New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) India’s cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar will bring down the curtains on his 24-year-old illustrious career with his 200th Test against the West Indies in November.

The final match of the two-Test series against the West Indies starting Nov 14 will be Tendulkar’s last. The match could be hosted in Tendulkar’s home town Mumbai. The first Test is slated for Nov 6.

Tendulkar, who retired from ODIs last December, said he has been living a dream for the last 24 years.

“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,” Tendulkar said in a prepared statement.

“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.

Tendulkar’s last Twenty20 match was the Champions League T20 final where his team Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals to win the title.

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.

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