File photo of Wasim Akram. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
World record run-getter 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.
Tendulkar, regarded as one of the best batsmen to play the game, has so far scored 15,837 runs with 51 hundreds in 198 Tests and 18,426 in 463 one-days with 49 centuries - all world records.
But Wasim, 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," Wasim told AFP.
"It could be the best farewell Tendulkar can have," he added.
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 two countries 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.
Pakistan's domestic team Faisalabad Wolves, due to play in India's Champions League Twenty20 that starts September 17, are still waiting for clearance from New Delhi.
Wasim said sport should be separated from politics.
"Cricket, as always, has the capacity to bring the people of both nations closer," said Wasim, who led a Pakistan tour of India in 1999 despite extremist threats.
Wasim said Tendulkar was also revered in Pakistan.
"He is a role model," said Wasim. "He is one of the best without any doubt and if I had to vote for the best sportsman of the century I would not hesitate for a second to give it to Sachin.
"Having played with him for years and having been in touch even after my retirement I have found him a true role model," he said.
"I hope relations improve and my wish come true is that India and Pakistan play a Test sooner than later."
COMMENTS (13)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1714024018-0/ModiLara-(1)1714024018-0-270x192.webp)
Its not our headache whom should sachin play his final match....for me in indian team dravid was a much better player than "Selfish Sachin". Atleast dravid played for his country not for his own records.
@PAKhtoon: Dear money matters.....
Indo pak match use to generate more revenue than others
Pak board will get more revenue as they needed badly. Our board is richest cricket board in the world we dont play with u. Ur loss is our profit
@Fawad he's too busy 'grooming' himself right now! :) I admire him as a Paki cricket icon, and wish that he can contribute ore off the field!
Wasim bhai we need your support and expertise in bowling area. Try to groom Pakistani cricket and stay close to PCB not in IPL or any-other cricket.
Its a shame that India are limiting their tour of SA, just to accommodate Sachin. No player is bigger than the game. True cricket followers will agree with me that Kallis is the greatest cricketer of century.
@Danish Right. But I'd rather have our champions be allowed to play in an international event, where they have a pretty good chance of claiming the title than be treated as entertainers (saying very mildly, of course) for Tendulkar's farewell party!
@Dr Dang No one is asking him to resign from IPL. All we want is for him to step up and actively seek for opportunities as he seems to have some traction with the cricketing circuit in India. Or else, there are plenty of opportunities for a great like him in Big Bash or Caribbean t20 leagues.
India should never do it. would preferable australia
@Adeel: Give him a break, he is doing his best to keep relations normal. Even he has to make a living.
whocares
@Adeel: Somehow, him asking for a test between PAKISTAN and India and revival of cricketing ties between the two, is him not thinking about Pakistan. Zindabad sir!
Sachin Tendulkar playing his final Test match against Pakistan will be awesome. It will be the proper farewell to the batting legend who started his International cricketing career against Pakistan in 1989. Let's see if Government of India and BCCI agree to this great prospect.
I don't understand why India always refuse to play with us, if they hate us? so we do. but we never refused to play.
Instead of trying to create an ideal scenario for Tendulkar's farewell, how about you speak to your IPL bosses and create some playing opportunities for Faisalabad Wolves to play in the CL20? Wah Wah Akram bhai! Show us that you still care for Pakistan cricket.