Pakistan's former Test captain Javed Miandad feels Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar would serve as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers all over the world even after he retires from the game following his 200th Test which starts in Mumbai tomorrow.
"It is good to see this (the outpouring of tributes) because Tendulkar deserves all this respect and tributes. He has contributed a lot to Indian cricket over the years and his place among the master batsmen of the modern era is guaranteed," Miandad said.
"I would recommend him as a role model for all young cricketers in all the cricket playing nations."
However, Miandad felt Tendulkar may not be missed too much by the team as he is leaving the stage at a time when Indian cricket has found some exciting talent to fill the void.
"The nature of the cricket fans in this region is such that if a player tries to prolong his international career they tend to forget him soon after he retires," Miandad told PTI.
Miandad said he himself had made the mistake of trying to prolong his career and it didn't end well for him.
"I must admit, unlike others, I feel that Tendulkar should have retired earlier...And he is now going at a time when India has found some very talented batsmen who are now the reigning heroes and idols of the people," Miandad said.
The former Pakistani batsman saw Tendulkar make his Test debut in Karachi in 1989 and said the teenager had impressed everyone and also fulfilled the vast potential and talent he had.
"There is no use talking about his greatness as a player but I think in the subcontinent, players like us must know when it is the right time to go," Miandad said.
