Tendulkar to retire after 200th Test; 'Hard to imagine life without cricket'

Sachin Tendulkar confirmed on Thursday that he will retire from cricket after playing his 200th Test next month.

The batting icon, who played 198 Tests, contacted Board of Control for Cricket in India president N Srinivasan and requested him to release the following the statement 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."

India will play West Indies in a two-Test series next month.

Srinivasan paid rich tribute to Tendulkar, saying he is the greatest cricketer India has produced and it would be hard to imagine an Indian team without the batting great.

"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.  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," Srinivasan said.

BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said it is sad to see 'Master Blaster' quit cricket and wished him good luck.

"If you start your course with all your force, every source of nature will turn towards and help you to achieve your true success.

"This holds so true for one of our finest players, master-blaster Sachin Tendulkar.

"With mixed feelings of joy and sorrow, joy for his excellent performances during his career, and the sorrow of bidding him goodbye after his 200th Test, I wish him good luck for all his future endeavours," he said.