Bangalore: The Pakistani players on Sunday fell short of words while describing Sachin Tendulkar`s impact on world cricket and said the Indian batting legend will be missed sorely in One-day cricket following his retirement.
Tendulkar called it a day on his 23-year-old One-day career on the eve of the series against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Tanvir said he enjoyed bowling against Tendulkar because the margin of error was so slim that he could dispatch even good deliveries to the fence.
"In every cricketer`s life there comes a day when he decides to hang up his shoes. Words are not enough to describe his achievements for India. He deserves highest of respects in world cricket," he said.
Tanvir wished luck to Sachin and hoped he would smash many more centuries for India in Test matches.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez said the players of his country feel sad that Tendulkar will not be seen on field in ODIs.
"To be honest we (Pakistanis) will miss him and feel really sad that he will not play anymore international ODIs for India. I admire the man for his sheer domineering character. He rattled all kinds of bowlers around the world," Hafeez said.
"Sachin is a great entertainer of cricket and wish him good luck for the future," he added.
Another Pakistan quick bowler Umar Gul said the presence of Tendulkar in the India team has immensely contributed in nurturing young cricketers such as Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina.
"I am sure Virat and Raina have learnt a lot from the maestro," he said.
The young batting sensation Umar Amin said he would have loved to play against Tendulkar in the upcoming series.
"I played against India in 2010 Asia Cup, but unfortunately he wasn`t there. I would like to say only one thing that if cricket is the religion then Sachin is God," Amin said.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, December 23, 2012, 17:01