Karachi : Pakistan opener Abid Ali hoped despite strained political relations Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar surely will give him a hug and a few batting tips for the World Cup beginning next month.
The 31-year old has been a prolific run scorer in Pakistan’s domestic cricket and broke into the national one-day squad for the World Cup after smashing a century on debut against Australia in Dubai last month.
Abid is almost the same height as Tendulkar is and bats in a similar style but has a long way to go to eclipse his idol.
“It’s my wish and hope that I can meet Sachin Tendulkar,” Abid told a group of journalists.
“I would like to hug Sachin and is sure that he will not turn me down. I am sure that if I ask for any batting tips he will give a positive reply,” added Abid.
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It will be a memorable day for Abid when he will be getting the chance of meeting Sachin.
He also idolises Sir Vivian Richards and wishes to meet him and other greats of the game and take their tips.
Despite the bitter relations between India and Pakistan , players from both sides enjoy cordial relations.
Indian captain Virat Kohli presented his bat to Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir during the World Twenty20 in India three years ago as a sign of appreciation of his talent.
Abid followed Tendulkar’s batting style religiously from his early days. “Actually I have followed Sachin’s technique from day one of my career and after watching him I tried to imitate him. He was a great player, just like our own Inzamam-ul-Haq", said Abid.
