Akram hopes Tendulkar plays 'farewell' Test against Pak like debut Test

Pakistani fast bowling legend Wasim Akram has said that he hoped that Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar would play his last and final Test against Pakistan in Kolkata.

The 40-year-old Indian batting star is set to achieve the unique record of playing his 200th Test later this year against the West Indies, with speculations suggesting that Tendulkar might retire from all cricket after that or sometime early next year.

Stating that Tendulkar's last Test should be against Pakistan, Akram, who played in Tendulkar's debut Test in Karachi in 1989, said that he has created an ideal scenario in which Tendulkar would play for India against Pakistan in Eden Gardens at Kolkata with a passionate crowd, adding that it will be the best farewell for the Indian hero.

Stating that Tendulkar is also revered in Pakistan, Akram also said that the Indian batsman is a role model, adding that he would not hesitate to vote for him as the best sportsman of the century if he is given the chance.

According to Indian media reports, India may cancel their tour to South Africa later this year and invite Pakistan for a short two-Test tour, and the report added that the nuclear rivals have not played a full series since 2007.