Sachin Tendulkar's fans are not just confined to India. There are many in Bangladesh too and both youngsters and elderly people here are praying and looking forward to the maestro scoring his 100th international century during the Asia Cup beginning here on Sunday.Former Bangladesh captain Akram Khan, now chairman of the selection committee, is among those eagerly awaiting the Mumbaikar to unleash his batting prowess, entertain and notch up his much sought after 100th hundred.
"Sachin is an icon player. He can get it anytime. I am surprised that in the last one year he didn't get a century. I hope and I am praying that he gets his 100th century as soon as possible,"
Khan still gets excited recalling the time he played against Tendulkar in the Asia Cup when it was held in India in 1990-91. He is such a hardcore Tendulkar fan that he doesn't even want to say anything that is remotely adverse.
"I don't want to say anything (negative) about Sachin because he is an extraordinary player. It's not good to say such things about him (that he's under pressure). Yes, pressure is at every level, even in school cricket there is pressure," he said.
"But he has proved his class and has performed for more than 100 crore people (Indians). It (pressure) is nothing new for him, because he's always playing under pressure."
Akram, now a successful businessman, disclosed that he has watched every match since Tendulkar scored his last international century, against South Africa during the World Cup in Nagpur in March last year.
"For the last one year, I have been watching every match of his because, personally, I would like to see him score his 100th century, and I am sure all Bangladeshis are also excited about his impending 100th century," he said.
"I first played with Sachin in the Asia Cup in Chennai in the 1990s. It was my dream to play against him. I am very excited to see him score his 100th international century, and am eagerly waiting for that."
Khan said that the poor patch of the Indian team was not a cause for worry and hoped soon it would regain form. "They are one of the best teams. Six months back they were the world No. 1 Test team and became world one-day champions last year. I think this is happening everywhere. India play very well in Asia and I hope they will play well over here."