Eden match tickets become collector`s item

Kolkata: Spectators usually throw it away after a match is over but tickets for the ongoing India-West Indies Test match at the Eden Gardens here have turned into a collector`s item as it has Sachin Tendulkar`s photographs and autograph printed on it.

To salute Tendulkar`s immense contribution to the Indian cricket, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has printed the legendry batsman`s images and autographs on all five-day tickets. Taking fans on a trip down memory lane, the first day tickets of his 199th and penultimate Test match had a sketch of a young Tendulkar with little curly hairs by renowned artist Jogen Chowdhury. "It is my privilige to sketch for Sachin`s last match at the Eden. I have tried to pay tribute to his talent on behalf of all cricket lovers who have been left amused for more than two decades," said Chowdhury. The tickets for other four days have captured some frozen moments from his 24-year-long glittering career. Rohit Ghosh, one of the spectators, was seen arguing with a security guard who accidentally tore a part of his ticket during the checking. "I will keep the tickets with me for life as a souvenier. It is so memorable to witness the legend for one last time before he bids adieu to the game forever," said the young MBA, who is skipping office on all five days of the Test match.