Tendulkar's decision is not a shocker: BCCI

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS): The Indian cricket board said Sunday that Sachin Tendulkar‘s decision to retire from ODI cricket was no surprise.

Ratnakar Shetty, chief administrative officer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said the board respects Tendulkar’s decision.

“Tendulkar’s decision is not a shocker for BCCI. He was waiting for the right time,” Shetty told reporters at the Cricket Centre here.

Tendulkar took the decision minutes before the selectors announced the team for the limited overs series against Pakistan starting Dec 25. But he will keep playing Test cricket.

Tendulkar spoke to Board president N. Srinivasan and conveyed his decision.

“I have decided to retire from One Day format. I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup wining Indian team,” said Tendulkar in a statement.

Tendulkar said it was time for the team to prepare for the 2015 World Cup.

“The preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015 should begin early and in right earnest. I would like to wish the team all the very best for the future. I am eternally grateful to all my well wishers for their unconditional support and love over the years,” he said.