Sachin strode cricket arena like a colossus, says Sharad Pawar

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has said Sachin Tendulkar’s decision to retire from Test cricket marks the “end of a golden era.”

“Sachin Tendulkar strode the cricket arena like a colossus and in his long innings set several milestones for himself and the game. As a sportsman, the qualities and character he displayed on and off field are exemplary. His single-minded devotion, love and enthusiasm for the game were the driving force in his achievements. He is greatly admired by all cricket-playing nations and his fan following cuts across social and cultural boundaries,’’ Mr Pawar, who is also a former chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said.

“His achievements are an inspiration to all cricketers and he will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come. He is appropriately termed ‘Don Bradman of modern cricket’,” the former president of the International Cricket Councilsaid in a message.

Good wishes for Sachin

Sending his “good wishes” to Sachin, Mr. Pawar expressed the hope that he would continue to associate himself with the game and its development.

Extraordinary icon

Union Sports Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday wished Sachin Tendulkar the very best after the master batsman announced his plans of retirement from Test cricket.

“Tendulkar is an extra-ordinary icon who will continue to inspire Indians to achieve excellence in sports. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports looks forward to working with Tendulkar to promote sports in the country,” he said.