Tendulkar said that he can't imagine alive without cricket, adding he has lived his dream for the last 24 years.
Sachin Tendulkar has announced his decision to retire from international cricket after he plays his record 200th Test against West Indies in November.
Tendulkar, who had retired from ODIs in December 2012, has been in patchy form over the last two seasons and the issue of his retirement has caused plenty of debates.
India is to play a two-Test series against the West Indies next month which would enable Tendulkar, who has already made 198 appearances, to become the first player to reach the 200 landmark. The two Tests against West Indies will be played between November 6-10 and 14-18 at yet to be named venues.
Tendulkar, who made his Test debut in 1989, also said that he found it hard to imagine life without cricket.
"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," he was quoted as saying in a BCCI press release.
Tendulkar also thanked the BCCI, his family as well as his fans for their support and encouragement.
"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," he said in the release.
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Sachin Tendulkar has announced his decision to retire from international cricket after he plays his record 200th Test against West Indies in November.
Tendulkar, who had retired from ODIs in December 2012, has been in patchy form over the last two seasons and the issue of his retirement has caused plenty of debates.
India is to play a two-Test series against the West Indies next month which would enable Tendulkar, who has already made 198 appearances, to become the first player to reach the 200 landmark. The two Tests against West Indies will be played between November 6-10 and 14-18 at yet to be named venues.
Tendulkar, who made his Test debut in 1989, also said that he found it hard to imagine life without cricket.
"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," he was quoted as saying in a BCCI press release.
Tendulkar also thanked the BCCI, his family as well as his fans for their support and encouragement.
"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," he said in the release.
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