Sachin Tendulkar announces retirement

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar announced on Thursday that he would be retiring from international cricket after playing his 200th Test against the West Indies.

In a statement that was released by BCCI President N.Srinivasan, Tendulkar said: "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 is hard for me to imagine a life without playing cricket because its all I have ever done since I was eleven years old. Its 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," Tendulakr said further.

"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," Tendulkar said.