Tendulkar withdraws from charity match

Sachin Tendulkar has opted out of the charity match, for the victims of the Asian Tsunami, between an Asian XI and a Rest of the World XI on January 10 at Melbourne following medical advice that he shouldn't play a ball for a month.

Tendulkar, who had expressed his eagerness to participate in the match, will still travel to Australia to be present at the stadium during the game which is meant to generate funds for the millions of victims struck by the disaster.

"I am still going for the charity match," he was quoted as saying by United News of India, "I feel I should be there and be a part of it. Even if I cannot play the match, it's important to go there and be a part of the occasion. It is important to do as much as we can for the people affected by the tsunami."

Tendulkar had also been advised not to play domestic games to rest his left elbow which kept him out of international cricket for over two months. "The doctors have recommended a month's rest during which they have advised me not to play a single ball and to take complete rest."

Speaking about the tsunami tragedy, he said it was important for every person to do his bit to help the victims' families and the survivors. Tendulkar also said he had made no goals for the year 2005. "No goals for 2005. I am just going to go out there and play my game."