In a league of his own: Shahid Afridi pays tribute to Tendulkar

The all-rounder said that despite Tendulkar's unparalleled achievements, he always remained down to earth.

KARACHI: Shahid Afridi, who time called on his own Test career in 2010, paid tribute to the record-making Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, saying the batsman was “in a league of his own.”

Tendulkar, who made his debut at the tender age of 16, is set to retire after he completes a record 200 tests. He also leads the Test scoring charts with 15,837 runs.

“He [Tendulkar] is the biggest name in world cricket,” Afridi told The Express Tribune on Thursday, shortly after the “Little Master” announced his retirement. “He is my favourite player and I always enjoyed watching him bat. Whenever he took to the field, I used to be glued to the TV.”

Afridi, who has had his own time under the limelight for some of his batting exploits, said that Tendulkar always remained humble despite his unparalleled achievements.

“Sachin is in a league of his own but despite his big stature, he is very down to earth and that is the reason why he is loved by all.”

Afridi also had words of advice for Tendulkar, asking him to remain a family man after retirement.

“I wish him all the best. I hope he enjoys his life after retirement and most importantly, I hope he continues contributing to the game.”