Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday thanked Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and his fans, while announcing his retirement from all forms of international cricket after his 200th Test match against West Indies in November.
The 40-year-old batting maestro, who has scored 15, 837 runs from 198 Test matches, is expected to play in the two-match Test series against West Indies, which is scheduled for 6-18 November, before ending an illustrious career. He retired from ODI in 2012 and played his last Twenty20 match in the recently concluded Champions League T20 final which his team Mumbai Indians won.
Here is statement of Sachin Tendulkar sent to BCCI President, requesting its release to the media, 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."
Sachin Tendulkar
BCCI President N. Srinivasan's Statement:
"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."
BCCI Hony. Secretary Sanjay Patel's statement:
"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."
VIDEO: Sachin Tendulkar announces retirement after 200th Test
