Batting ace Sachin Tendulkar will finally draw an end to an illustrious career after his 200th Test match against the West Indies.

According to a media release issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Tendulkar has contacted the BCCI president and requested the Board to release the following statement to the media on his behalf:

"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.

“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 had bid adieu to T20 cricket on Sunday on a triumphant note, with his team, Mumbai Indians, winning the CLT20 tournament by beating Rahul Dravid’s Rajasthan Royals in the final in New Delhi.

Tendulkar had earlier retired from ODI cricket.