Sachin bats for ICC probe into match-fixing, says fans deserve 'fair competition'

Sachin turns coach for young cricketers in Singapore

Having retired from the game last year, cricket is very much the life of Sachin Tendulkar. The legend has put his trust behind the ongoing ICC investigations into match-fixing, and said that fans of the sport deserve a fair competition.

"I think the concerned people are taking really important steps because it is critical for the game to make sure that the spectators watch a fair competition," Tendulkar told reporters in Singapore where he’s conducting a special coaching session for budding cricketers.

The little master also said Singapore has the required ingredients to be a cricketing nation. "I don't see any reason why not... whenever we played here in Singapore, the response was really good," said Tendulkar.

"As a cricketer I feel proud that various nations are taking initiatives in constructing state-of-the-art stadiums and making sure that every measure is taken to globalise the game," he said.

Tendulkar and his close friend and fellow cricketing legend Brian Lara will be playing alongside each other for Marylebone Cricket Club XI to mark MCC’s 200th anniversary where they will face the former Australian spinner Shane Warne led World XI in an ODI on July 5. "It's always been a joy to play against him. I loved watching Brian scoring runs against other nations, not India," Tendulkar said.

Sachin Tendulkar seemed to be fully energised to pick up his bat for the first time after retirement and play with West Indian legend Brian Lara. "We (himself and Lara) played for the same team and we had a wonderful partnership. So I'm hoping for another one this time," he said.