New Delhi: Describing ace Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar as "the greatest of all times", British Prime Minister David Cameron today wished him good luck for his ongoing 200th Test match against the West Indies in Mumbai.
"He is the greatest of all times. He's an extraordinary cricketer...a fantastic player. I wish him well today," he said while interacting with Indian businessmen.
Cameron said it's not just about cricket but also the consistency one needs to score a century.
Noting that Tendulkar has inspired a lot of youth, he said, "If you look who has done more to inspire the young cricketers, he has done well in that."
Tendulkar is playing his last Test match today at his home ground Wankhade Stadium in Mumbai before bidding goodbye to international cricket. He has already announced retirement from one-day cricket.
GK Vasan wishes Tendulkar
GK Vasan wishes Tendulkar
Chennai: Shipping Minister G K Vasan today extended his wishes to iconic India batsman Sachin Tendulkar who is playing the final Test match of his career.
"Sachin Tendulkar is getting ready for his final match today. I wish him to do well as the world is expecting the star to perform well," Vasan told reporters here.
"The player has been a sensation to the whole of India," said Vasan, who reopened the Chennai lighthouse for visitors.
India is taking on the West Indies in the second and final Test match of the series in Mumbai, which is Tendulkar's landmark 200th Test.
On demands for conferring 'Bharat Ratna' on Tendulkar, he said: "I am sure that the people of Tamil Nadu have this opinion and I, in my personal capacity, would support that."
Appoint Tendulkar a peace ambassador: Latif
Appoint Tendulkar a peace ambassador: Latif
Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has called on cricket authorities in India to appoint Sachin Tendulkar as a peace ambassador to improve ties between the two countries.
"Tendulkar is a cricket icon not only in India but also in Pakistan. There is a lot of respect for him in our country. He can play a big role in removing misunderstandings and distrust among the people of both the countries," Latif told PTI in an interview.
Latif, whose family migrated to Pakistan during the partition, said that the cricket boards of both countries had failed to realise how important role the iconic cricketers can play in promoting peace and improving relations.
"I would definitely like to see someone like Tendulkar convinced to take on the role of a peace ambassador and come to Pakistan," Latif said.
The former wicketkeeper-batsman said the iconic players, who were respected and admired by people of both the nations, should be given a greater role as peace ambassadors.
"Imagine if someone like Tendulkar comes to Pakistan and talks about peace and friendship or conveys the feelings of the Indian people, it will lead to so much positive vibe and goodwill," Latif stated.
Tendulkar, who is playing his final international match in the ongoing Test against the West Indies in Mumbai, made his Test debut in Karachi at the age of 16 and has toured Pakistan several times.
Latif said whenever he had played against Tendulkar or met him he had found the legendary batsman to be a very humble person.
"Cricket has always played its role in bringing the two countries closer and who can forget the goodwill and friendship that the 2004 series generated when India came to Pakistan," he said.
Latif said while fierce competition and tension exited when two teams compete against each other, relationship between the players had always been cordial.
