Pakistan will miss Tendulkar: Hafeez

National cricketers shower praise on batting maestro.

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 24^th, 2012.