Pakistan will miss Tendulkar: Hafeez

National cricketers shower praise on batting maestro.


Our Correspondent December 23, 2012

KARACHI: A number of former and current Pakistani cricketers paid tribute to Sachin Tendulkar on the event of his retirement from the One-Day International (ODI) format.

Many were disappointed with his decision to retire just before Pakistan and India go head-to-head in their upcoming ODI series.

Pakistan Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez said he felt dejected about the Indian great’s retirement.

“Pakistan will miss Tendulkar,” said Hafeez. “I admired him as he was a dominant cricketer. He upset all types of bowlers during his career.”

Former Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq said that Tendulkar’s records will be difficult to break for the current generation of batsmen.

“Tendulkar is a role model for millions,” said Haq. “He achieved a lot and made remarkable records which will be difficult to break. With his retirement, a golden chapter has come to an end.

“It would have been better if he had deferred his departure until after the imminent series. Tendulkar’s presence would have ensured a more challenging time for us.”

Paceman Umar Gul said Tendulkar was a source of motivation for budding cricketers.

“Tendulkar is an inspiration,” said Gul. “He helped mould young cricketers coming to India team. I am sure players like Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina flourished due of his presence.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24th, 2012.

COMMENTS (5)

Joshyco | 11 years ago | Reply

Yes, Hafeez is right, Pakistan will definitely miss Tendulkar, they will miss the opportunity of getting Tendulkar out, since Tendulkar was in awful form lately!!!! Pakistanis would have fancied their chances of dismissing Tendulkar early. Now with the retirement of Tendulkar, India are clear favourites for the series against Pakistan

Clear Black Bag | 11 years ago | Reply

But even without Sachin Tendulkar India has more chances than Pakistan to win the series against Pakistan because the biggest advantage India shall have "first the home ground and home crowd advantage and second better batting line".....

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