Tendulkar turns down Middlesex offer

Sachin Tendulkar, seen here leaving the field for India against England in 2007, will not feature at Lord's for Middlesex in 2010

Middlesex have revealed that Sachin Tendulkar will not be joining them this year for the Friends Provident t20 competition.

Despite early optimism after learning that Tendulkar could be available, scheduling concerns have ruled out the possibility of the 36-year-old featuring for the Panthers.

Tendulkar, Test cricket’s leading run-scorer, was one of two marquee signings targeted by Middlesex for this year’s competition, with former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist already signed up to play.

Middlesex chief executive Vinny Codrington said: “We are all naturally extremely disappointed that Sachin has reached the decision not to join us this year, as without doubt, his presence within the Middlesex ranks alongside Adam Gilchrist would have been a major coup.”

“It’s a real shame we have been unable to reach a satisfactory outcome to our discussions with him.

“Sachin was very open and honest with us when advising us of his decision and went to lengths to express how much consideration he had given to the opportunity.

“Whilst extremely keen to join the club, Sachin felt he wished to concentrate his efforts on prolonging his international career at the top of world cricket.

“The additional workload of playing Twenty20 cricket in the UK for Middlesex this year would place too much pressure on his already busy cricketing schedule.

“We would like to express our thanks to John Stephenson, MCC's head of cricket, for all his help, and we wish Sachin continued success with India and our thanks go to him for giving the club every consideration.”