It’s now been more than seven years since Sachin Tendulkar bid adieu to international cricket. However, there are still comparisons made and accolades showered, often from the fiercest of oppositions, asserting the firm belief that the Master Blaster is one of the best this game has ever seen. Former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed, who belonged to the fiery Pakistan bowling line-up that had a run-in with Sachin often, thinks Sachin rightfully ruled the game in his era.

Aaqib also said that Sachin successfully left a mark on the game due to the immense talent that he possessed.

Speaking to GloFans, Aaqib said, “Sachin created 100 per cent impact on the game with the quality or talent he had. He held the numero uno spot in the game for several years as he was a seasoned cricketer.”

Aaqib said that “lack of technology gave a lot of power to the Umpire at that time and whatever the Umpire said, was considered as the final decision”.

The 48-year-old who represented Pakistan for nine years was known for his spells against India. His 7/37 in an ODI game, that too, against arch-rivals India in 1991 still lingers on in the memory of the Indian fans. It was the same game where he also claimed the hat-trick.

Talking about the same spell, Aaqib recollected how the umpiring used to be during his playing days, “Lack of technology gave a lot of power to the Umpire at that time and whatever the Umpire said, was considered as the final decision.”