New Delhi: Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday announced his decision to retire from Test cricket after playing his 200th Test against West Indies next month.
Bringing an end to the speculation about his future, Sachin informed the BCCI about his decision to quit all form of the game, saying that he felt it was time to call it a day now.
"All my life, I have had a dream of playing cricket for India. I have been living this dream every day for the last 24 years. It's hard for me to imagine a life without playing cricket because it's all I have ever done since I was 11 years old.
"It's been a huge honour to have represented my country and played all over the world. I look forward to playing my 200th Test Match on home soil, as I call it a day," Tendulkar, who has already retired from the ODIs, said in the released issued by BCCI Secretary Sanjay Patel.
Tendulkar thanked the BCCI for its support throughout his career and also for allowing to walk into Test sunset at a time of his choosing. "I thank the BCCI for everything over the years and for permitting me to move on when my heart feels it's time! I thank my family for their patience and understanding. Most of all, I thank my fans and well-wishers who through their prayers and wishes have given me the strength to go out and perform at my best," he said.
Tendulkar's 200th Test match is most likely to be held at his home ground in Mumbai from November 14. The Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Gujarat Cricket Association are also contenders for hosting that historic match. The BCCI has not yet announced the venues for the two Tests against the West Indies.