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MUMBAI: Everyone knows that legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar made his debut for India against Pakistan in 1989, but did you know that he actually got his first taste of international cricket two years earlier, not playing for India but for a Pakistan team — against India!
According to Times of India website, during Pakistan’s tour of India in 1987, Tendulkar was sent in as a substitute fielder for Imran Khan’s team during a festival match with India at Mumbai’s Brabourne stadium.
Javed Miandad and Abdul Qadir left the field at lunch time and Tendulkar was asked to field. Imran deployed him at long-on and soon Kapil Dev hit a skier in his direction. Despite running 15 metres, Tendulkar could not reach the ball.
Recounting the incident in his recently released book, Playing it My Way, Tendulkar remembers complaining to a friend later that he could have taken the catch had he been positioned at mid-on instead of long-on.
“I don’t know whether Imran Khan remembers this or has any idea that I once fielded for his Pakistan team,” writes Tendulkar in his book.
Published in Dawn, November 9th , 2014
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On DawnNews
Comments (93) Closed
Nov 09, 2014 09:59am
I remember Sachin's debut innings at Karachi stadium and saw him scoring 60 odd runs. I was amazed that this short young guy scored that many runs.
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Nov 09, 2014 10:02am
Sachin's book is available in Pakistan ?
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Nov 09, 2014 10:04am
An interesting & extra ordinary tit-bit for Tendulkar's Pak,India fans!
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Nov 09, 2014 10:06am
Good to know! He even went to wagah border in Pakistan and saw India from our side.
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Nov 09, 2014 10:53am
Good memories for both him and Pakistanis.
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Nov 09, 2014 10:59am
Cool
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Nov 09, 2014 11:11am
A true GENTLEMAN of cricket.
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Nov 09, 2014 11:37am
other people and more great people than Sachin has fielded for IK. nevertheless, interesting fact. good, Dawn.
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Nov 09, 2014 11:44am
Sir,
Whether he played for Pakistan or India first, whenever he has played cricket has won.
Sachin Tendulkar is a true genius of the game and a pride for the entire subcontinent.
Regards
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Nov 09, 2014 12:05pm
A true gentleman of the game. Respect for the gem.
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Nov 09, 2014 12:08pm
All good people have fielded for Imran khan except Dawn.
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Nov 09, 2014 12:11pm
@A Ali your tone is meant to insult.Can u be more respectful pls.I am an Indian and respect n admire ppl like akram, waqar etc. Tendulkar only mentioned as a matter of fact, and dawn has rightly put this as a news item.Take it in the right perspective in view of the relationship between pak n ind, and feel nice about it.
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Nov 09, 2014 12:38pm
No need to target pakistani fans. Your book will be sold body. Don't worry.
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Nov 09, 2014 12:44pm
Feeling honored! A Pakistani...
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Nov 09, 2014 12:47pm
@amit I agree with Amit. Sachin is a great player and person and deserves full respect.
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Nov 09, 2014 12:49pm
@A Ali
Your comment betrays poor taste...
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Nov 09, 2014 12:52pm
So what? Am i supposed to feel proud or something? This trivia shouldnt be in the news.
We seriously dont care.
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Nov 09, 2014 12:52pm
great player and human being MR. sachin tendulkar.....................
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Nov 09, 2014 12:59pm
@Danish lol well said bro
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Nov 09, 2014 01:20pm
@Navy sg. Well, "celebrity" news also includes trivia!
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Nov 09, 2014 01:24pm
You Sir! are a great batsman and a noble human being
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Nov 09, 2014 01:31pm
@amit
Amit be least assure people here admire Tendulkar too. They consider him an asset for whole subcontinent. Don't worry about odd others.
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Nov 09, 2014 01:31pm
did he mentioned in his book that he was really nervous while playing Shoaib Akhter if not scared; though he reserves all the rights to hide these facts but yes I saw him; he was never comfortable playing pindi express
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Nov 09, 2014 01:46pm
Now Pakistani fans have a reason to claim Sachin as their own, and clear out the bitterness. I am sure Sachin won't mind, since he has himself revealed this.there should not be any reason for any Indians to mind it as well.
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Nov 09, 2014 01:48pm
@zeeshan it's already a best seller, don't worry, it will sell without even putting this fact.
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Nov 09, 2014 01:58pm
@Rashid Ishaq You forgot 2003 semi finals? Shoaib had all the chance to threaten Sachin but somehow he forgot. Jokes apart!, these are class players the likes of Sachin, Wasim. However they are human too and they may have their fallings too. But they are class apart because they can overcome their fears and shortcomings. We should focus more on their qualities than their flaws.
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Nov 09, 2014 02:02pm
Thats a good news however I feel that Tendulkar is a great asset for cricket itself. I don't like him because he played for India but because he was a true sports person and a gentleman.
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Nov 09, 2014 02:07pm
@amit Don't worry about him. He is a PTI supporter and they have everything except a brain.
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Nov 09, 2014 02:31pm
Sachin deserves lot of respect not just for what he has achieved but also for the conduct he displayed on and off the field. A true sportsman indeed. I really liked the respect Pakistanis have shown writing comments on this article. One has to be someone like Sachin or Imran to be respected by all.
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Nov 09, 2014 02:58pm
@A Ali ...and who are these 'more great people' and what point are you trying to make or is it that you have a new computer that you are excited about.
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Nov 09, 2014 03:05pm
Sachin, supports Pakistan in his heart.
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Nov 09, 2014 03:13pm
@Rashid Ishaq... Why don't you try and appreciate what is good and I guarantee you life will improve overnight. Yes Sachin respected and maybe even feared the Rawlpindi express but there were also times when Sachin got the better of Mr Akhtar. They have achieved fame, fortune and fans in all corners of the world so what exactly are you trying to achieve here. Wasim bai recently said Sachin winning the world cup made him a all time great of cricket. Why you hiding in your bedroom at your parents house can not do the same?
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Nov 09, 2014 04:08pm
I hope Imran does not call Sachin to field for his political-cricket now!
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Nov 09, 2014 04:27pm
Guys..I am Indian and fan of old timers like Imran, Javed, Akram, Zaheer Abbas etc...Please don't bring our hatred at least in this field..We can be enemy in general and rivals in cricket but can be fans of anyone from any country..
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Nov 09, 2014 04:28pm
@zak Every India does, now everybody thinks probably you don't deserve.
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Nov 09, 2014 04:33pm
Tendulkar is a cool guy, but definitely not a God as proclaimed by many of his fans
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Nov 09, 2014 04:41pm
@Rashid Ishaq , Do u remember 2003 world cup match ? I hope you know the proper meaning on "NEVER" in English .
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Nov 09, 2014 05:05pm
@imtiaz
Both Waqar and Tendulkar made their debuts in that game in Karachi in 1989. However Tendulkar made 15 runs and Waqar took 4. Wickets. Sachin was bowled by Waqar in his only innings. The match was drawn.
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Nov 09, 2014 05:10pm
I'm an Indian origin cricket fan, I respect and admire his game but I feel he is one of the most selfish person, tax evader, does peanuts charity, maintains luxury hobbies like driving sports cars. he is follower of some cult babas and gurus. Many times he gave importance to his century over winning the match.
He has very admirable face and he is very controlled and intelligent speaker. If he is in China, he would have faced capital punishment for evading tax but we Indians gave him top award Bharat Ratna.
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Nov 09, 2014 05:29pm
@Ankush Well if not, his fans will buy online.
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Nov 09, 2014 07:18pm
No wonder he went that far.
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Nov 09, 2014 07:54pm
IK, Gavaska, Miandad, Dravid, Abdul Qader and of course Sachin are Special Heroes of cricket san borders. There are many more also.
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Nov 09, 2014 08:04pm
@zeeshan You know how much money he made by playing cricket and brand endorsements??He is one of richest sportsman in the world... he does not need to make money selling books...
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Nov 09, 2014 09:27pm
Come on Indian Pakistanis, lets fight this over. One will praise, other will criticize, then another will praise the one who criticized and even other will criticize the one who praised. And the someone will try to justify, then someone will ask please don't fight. Wow, that's what I enjoy when Indians and Pakistanis are on one forum. Love/Hate relationship of desi people. We cant live without praising/criticizing each other. I respect the living legend Sachin Tendulkar like everyone else. He deserves that.
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Nov 09, 2014 09:39pm
IM is busy please call later.
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Nov 09, 2014 09:46pm
You are a great player, no matter whom you play for or play against, we all own you!
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Nov 09, 2014 10:43pm
very down to earth person he is the iconic precious things for this subcontinent
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Nov 09, 2014 11:02pm
I have recently watched the Kapil Sharma show where Wasim Akram was a guest.. It was a good moment to listen the stories of Wasim Akram and his friendship with Indian Cricketers.. Even Sidhu was also present in that show... All of these cricketers are assets of entire sub-continent not just a particular country... W. Akram,. I Khan, Sachin, Kumble all the gems in the crown of south asia..
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Nov 09, 2014 11:27pm
@Dr Carla - @Dr Carla - This is one of the rare occasions I have seen an Indian criticising something pertaining to India. Usually, there seems to be an unwritten code that they have to speak in unison to support everything, no matter what. Paradoxical that it may seem to Indians but my appreciation for them goes up when they are critical about themselves than making some haughty claims that we are best in this or that (eg. the best in missile technology being a recent example). As far as I am concerned, Tendulkar was great but my only gripe is people treating him a demigod.
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Nov 10, 2014 01:56am
Game is Game. There should not be politics in the game. He had to start his career somewhere. Thanks to first team who game him an opportunity.
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Nov 10, 2014 03:18am
What a serious joke?
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Nov 10, 2014 04:37am
@Rashid Ishaq Pinidi Express was mostly uncomfortable even with himself.
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Nov 10, 2014 04:37am
I get as excited hearing about my fellow Gujarati Cricket Player from Junagadh, the great Hanif Mohammed. Hanifbhai, I hope you are now in good health. We wish the best of you. To us you are as good as Tendulkar.
- Your Gujarati Friends from Junagadh, Kadhiawar.
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Nov 10, 2014 05:04am
@zeeshan it's not body, it's buddy (:-
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Nov 10, 2014 05:08am
@A Ali - so what- it seems you are making it an issue. ST is a legend in his own right. we are not talking about "other" greats . Its just a nice touch in the history of this fine player, and as a genuine cricket fans you have to take your hat off to this truly great player.
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Nov 10, 2014 05:09am
@amit A perfectly good article is spoilt by people like Ali. maybe he didn't mean it in the wrng way, but it doesn't sound right.
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Nov 10, 2014 05:17am
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad - You definitely are!
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Nov 10, 2014 06:07am
pakistan should take care of pakistani hindu and starting talk with india for peace for subcontinent
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Nov 10, 2014 09:04am
@Satish Kumar Dogra
"I hope Imran does not call Sachin to field for his political-cricket now!"
Sachin probably won't accept, Nawaz Sharif can pay a lot better.
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Nov 10, 2014 10:37am
@Rashid Ishaq Does not matter how comfortable he was when playing Akhtar. But we have seen him playing well against him even smashing him out of the park . I have seen Pakistan team t uncomfortable against Saurav Ganguli's bowling in Toronto but that does not mean that he was unplayable.
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Nov 10, 2014 11:11am
I think he dropped kapil dev's catch on purpose...just joking...true legend and a true gentleman!
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Nov 10, 2014 11:21am
@amit You are right Amit
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Nov 10, 2014 11:31am
Good to know that. No doubt he is one of the best batsmen ever born!!!
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Nov 10, 2014 12:02pm
Any thing Imran Khan touches, it turns into Gold
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Nov 10, 2014 12:12pm
New masala for Imran Khan for blowing his own trumpet! In today dharna, he will recall, I made Cancer Hospital, got world cup for Pakistan and had introduced greatest cricketer - Sachin Tendulkar to the world of cricket.
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Nov 10, 2014 12:15pm
Lets Hope Pakistan dont say that Tedulakr is Pakistani now, Just like Urdu or the Afghani named missiles !
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Nov 10, 2014 04:10pm
@Jamil And he did!
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Nov 10, 2014 04:13pm
@jay`1980 Urdu is Pakistani (Urdu is a Turkish word for 'Military camp). In India they speak Pakistan's national language Urdu but call it Hindi. Hindi would have sanskrit but then no one would understand it. Mughal empire that conquered all different nations of the sub continent and its positive effects.Indian subcontinent is known round the world for all things Mughal only.
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Nov 10, 2014 05:48pm
It reminds old good times when people of both countries lived like sensible neighbors
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Nov 10, 2014 06:50pm
Goes to prove that you need to have a bit of Pakistani in you to be great! lol
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Nov 10, 2014 07:25pm
@Manu OK buddy . I laughed alot to notice this.
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Nov 10, 2014 08:58pm
One of few Indian Cricketers who are adored in Pakistan.
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Nov 10, 2014 09:43pm
@amit Soory Amit you are offended, but this guy is commenting about Pakistan's Internal political development. Its nothing to with india, cricket or tendulkar. Now a days some have imran fever it will go away soon reality will open their eyes.
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Nov 10, 2014 10:51pm
He is great player, a pride for sub-continent, and above all a gentleman of the game. I am embarrassed by some of my countrymen who are critical of this icon.
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Nov 10, 2014 11:01pm
@Pakistani well said. i concur
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Nov 10, 2014 11:34pm
Hey Sachin: I am a Pakistani, but I have nothing but highest of esteem and admiration for you, as a Cricketer as well as a perfect Human being. Bravo, my friend.
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Nov 11, 2014 12:07am
@ET all people say that he is like a god for his fans but he is not a god . This is real difference facts and assumptions.
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Nov 11, 2014 12:20am
a legend of subcontinent
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Nov 11, 2014 10:16am
@Aman Rishu WHAT IS LOL ???? ? /
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Nov 11, 2014 02:53pm
Hmm , maybe that is the reason why Sharapova didn't recognize him during Wimbledon.
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Nov 11, 2014 09:12pm
@zak India has a history of 5000 years (if not more) and Mughals were only a small part of that history. India is known across the globe for its phenomenal contribution to the world like the language Sanskrit which is supposed to be the mother of Latin and Greek the other two ancient languages, for Yoga, Ayurveda, upanishads, Vedas, astronomy, science, mathematics, Sanskrit language and grammar.
We accept the contribution of the Mughals , but they were just a passing phase in India's milleniums old history.
By the way, Urdu may be a Turkish word, the structure of Urdu language is derived from Khari boli like Hindi. .
So, friend, there is a lot more for which the Indian subcontinent is known. Had Pakistan not separated, you could have claimed the same legacy.
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Nov 12, 2014 02:56am
@Pakistani PTI are the only ones with a straight brain. Corrupt brains go to PLMN and PPP
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Nov 12, 2014 04:46am
Should be interesting to read.
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Nov 12, 2014 07:49am
He is low to earth despite such fame, honour and respect in the world and never boasts about his huge achievements
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Nov 12, 2014 10:23am
Tendulkar is probably the most respected and valued Indian cricketer in Pakistan after Sunil Gavaskar!! I would place Bedi as number 3.
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Nov 12, 2014 01:06pm
@shivan Keep your doctored and falsified history of the sub continent with multiple different nations on it. One of the Greatest event was the final inevitable independence of Pakistan, which reverted back to its original state from being under different Empires. The state of the sub continent was not one to boast about, it was inhumane. The Mughals brought humanity , learning and culture to this forsaken land of castes and slavery. A few more nations need and want their independence from this cobbled together country. The more countries, the more peace in the region.
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Nov 12, 2014 02:31pm
@zak : Keep your doctored history to yourself
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Nov 12, 2014 03:46pm
@zak It's not your fault. Issue is with system that teaches history lessons in school and society. Just come out box and and then see world from top and read about history with open mind. You will appreciate about your subcontinent legacy rather than other farce assumption. Hope that will help and get peace.
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Nov 12, 2014 07:11pm
@syed wasim haider Please don't mention Miandad. He was a spoilt cricketer devoid of any decency.
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Nov 13, 2014 01:01am
Hi little master you will be remember as long as the history of cricket will exist .
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Nov 13, 2014 06:09pm
@Ankush yup.. try liberty books..Karachi ,Lahore and Islamabad. they have all books available from around the world. and if you want you could place an order and will be made available.
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Nov 14, 2014 02:05am
Sachin Talent was groomed by Imran Khan. No doubt under Imran's influence he grew up to be an able cricketer.
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Nov 14, 2014 02:30am
I love his modesty, he is still not sure and wonder if Imran remembers it :)
He is true Gem, and I think cricket somewhere bonds India and Pakistan....
Pakistan has best bowlers and India has strong batsmen.... together we would be unbeatable...
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