Pakistan pays tribute to the “perfect role model”

By Rahul Bajaj
for Cricketain.com

Published: February 25, 2010

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Karachi: Former and current Pakistan cricketers, on Wednesday, hailed India’s batting maestro, Sachin Tendulkar, for becoming the first batsman in the history of ODI cricket to score a double hundred, saying that Tendulkar is the “perfect role model” for any cricketer.

“For any cricketer he is the perfect role model. The great thing about him is that he has been outstanding in both Tests and ODIs. As a Pakistani player, I know how much value we have always put on his wicket,” right-handed batsman Shoaib Malik said about the little master.

Former skipper and wicketkeeper Rashid Latif said that the feat doesn’t come as a surprise to him… in fact, he is surprised that it took him so long to get there. “I always expected him to be the first one to score 200 in ODIs, but I was surprised that he took so long,” Latif said.

Another former captain Aamir Sohail said, “The rule is simple when you give respect to the game, then only the game will give you respect.”

Pakistan’s batting legend, Javed Miandad, said that he had always asked Pakistani cricketers to look up to Tendulkar for his down to earth attitude, hard work and passion.

“Records are there to be broken but it makes you happy when someone like Tendulkar does it. I think he thoroughly deserves this record and many more in days to come,” he said. “Whatever he is achieving today is because of his top physical and mental condition. He simply enjoys the game even today. Nowadays big scores are common but it doesn’t take away anything from Tendulkar because his achievement must be viewed in context of his whole career.”

Another ex-captain and TV commentator Rameez Raja said that Tendulkar is by far the most consistent batsmen the world has ever seen. “The way he is still scoring runs and breaking records is awesome and a lesson for the cricketing world. The unique thing is his passion for the game. He is still like a 10-year old and that is very important to keep on going at the top level,” he said.

He said at the age of 36, Tendulkar still has the hunger to score runs which is an astonishing quality. “This latest record is not surprising at all. I loved watching him bat and I think he still has a lot more to give to India and cricket,” said Raja.

Former skipper and coach of Pakistan, Intikhab Alam, said that he feels sorry for the bowlers around the world. “The way he is going I feel sorry for the bowlers around the world. He will be a terror for bowlers in the 2011 World Cup,” Intikhab said.

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