Ideal for Sachin to play farewell Test against Pakistan in Kolkata: Akram

Pakistan bowling great Wasim Akram said he hoped Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar would play his final Test farewell against Pakistan in Kolkata, AFP reported on Thursday.

Tendulkar, 40, is set to achieve the unique record of playing his 200th Test later this year against the West Indies, who have agreed to tour India.

Speculation is rife that Tendulkar might retire from all cricket after that or sometime early next year.

Akram, who played in Tendulkar's debut Test in Karachi in 1989, said Tendulkar's farewell Test should be against Pakistan.

"I have created an ideal scenario for his farewell Test: India playing Pakistan at Eden Gardens, Kolkata with a passionate crowd and both nations at a standstill," Akram told AFP.

"It could be the best farewell Tendulkar can have," he added.

Tendulkar has scored a record 15,837 runs with 51 hundreds in 198 Tests and 18,426 in 463 One-days with 49 centuries.

The Indian media has speculated that India may cancel their tour to South Africa later this year and invite Pakistan for a short two-Test tour.

The nuclear rivals have not played a full series since 2007, but there were hints that full ties may revive after India invited Pakistan for a short limited over series last December.