Mumbai: Cricketing fraternity all across the world on Friday hailed Sachin Tendulkar's 100th international hundred as an achievement that is likely to stand the test of time.
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"It's a golden moment for not only Sachin but also the Indian cricket. It's a historic moment. Nobody has done it before and is the greatest milestone," Dilip Vengsarkar said, a former chief selector, soon after the senior batsman achieved the landmark against Bangladesh in Mirpur in the ongoing Asia Cup.
"It's very, very hard to beat. I'm very glad that an Indian has done it," he added.
Another former skipper Chandu Borde also felt that the landmark appeared as if it would not be surpassed.
"Today history was created by a great player, a great innings by a great player and I don't think this performance will be broken for many years to come, probably not ever. It appears to be a permanent record," Borde said from Pune.
Asked whether Tendulkar would now call it a day from at least the limited overs, the 77-year-old former middle-order batsman said it was for the player himself to decide.
"It's up to Sachin. I know how difficult a decision it is as he loves the game so much. I have personally experienced this when I decided to quit first class cricket. I kept awake till 3 am. It's up to him."
"On behalf of every cricket fan around the globe I congratulate Sachin on becoming the first person to score 100 centuries for his country. This is indeed a magnificent feat and not likely to be easily emulated." — said ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat.
India's World Cup winner Mohinder Amarnath said India were very lucky that a player of Tendulkar's stature was playing for the country.
"It's a great achievement by Tendulkar and a very very special day for Indian cricket. India is lucky to have a cricketer like Sachin," Amarnath said.
Former captain Sunil Gavaskar also heaped praise on little master's phenomenal career and raised a toast to the iconic Indian batsman.
"He is always focussed, he is a perfect team-man. He has got an inquisitive mind, a mind that is prepared to learn.
That's how you progress. Tendulkar has got the mind that he always looks to score, never satisfied and always hungry for runs. His approach, focus and concentration is incredible," said Gavaskar.
"Enough has been said about it so it's not a day to talk about it. Let's enjoy Sachin's 100th century. It's a phenomenal thing. All of us are proud of him and he is an absolute champion," added Ganguly.
Chairman of selectors Kris Srikkanth said the hundred was a good reply to the critics who had been harping on the one-year wait that Tendulkar endured.
"It is a feat that is incomparable in any form of cricket and unparallelled in the history of this gentleman's game. In my opinion people may criticise that Sachin had taken this long to get his 100th century. It is easy for anyone to indulge in armchair talk but they will realise the difficulties only when they go out and bat for over two decades," he said.
CC President Sharad Pawar also sent a congratulatory message for Tendulkar.
"My heartiest congratulations to you on reaching the 100th international century. You have made India and the game of cricket proud in accomplishing this milestone," Pawar said through a statement.
"Your achievement speaks volume of your dedication to this great game. I am sure your illustrious career will be written in golden letters in the history of cricket and will serve as beacon of inspiration for many generations of cricketers to follow. My best wishes to you and hope you will continue to chase your dreams in the times to come," he added.
Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad said that Tendulkar had achieved a landmark which was not easy. "Full marks to him and congratulations on behalf of me and Pakistan cricket".
Sri Lankan great Arjuna Ranatunga also joined in felicitating the batsman describing Tendulkar as a role model for the world.
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden said that Tendulkar was a movement in himself. "He has been scrutinised, reflected upon. He is one of the greatest cricketers of all time. He is the King of India".
From South Africa, former all rounder Lance Klusener said that Tendulkar was a "true champion".
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen said Tendulkar's feat was "absolutely unbelievable".
"Seriously has anyone actually thought about what Sachin has done here?? 100 100's!!!! Absolutely unbelievable..
Batters dream!" he said.
Tendulkar's teammate Virender Sehwag tweeted: @sachin_rt paaji congratulations!Its a small thing for you but a phenomenal historic achievement. Dinner's on me when we meet.
Hayden said India's success was still heavily reliant on Tendulkar despite the fact that the right-hander is over two decades old in international cricket.
"Performance of India revolves around him. The atmosphere and euphoria at the stadium, the buzz around the town when he is going to different places is second to none" said Hayden.
"He plays effortlessly. He always has got the methodology to score runs," he explained.
A round of applause also came from English spinner Graeme Swann and his pace counterpart Stuart Broad.
"...well done to sachin for his 100th ton. A fair effort indeed," tweeted Swann.
"I think 'The Little Master' nickname for Sachin suits him down to the ground... 100 tons is incredible," added Broad.
Former Australian player Tom Moody said the century is a celebration of Tendulkar's career.
"It's remarkable. You are talking about the wait for his 100th international century but it's an achievement over a long period of time. It's really a celebration of his career.
"It would have been nice if he had achieved this in Sydney or Melbourne. He is very much in the twilight of his career and was under enormous pressure to achieve this miletsone. My heartiest congratulations to him," he added.
"Ur just born legend.. God bless u brother..love u always..keep going strong..," Sreesanth tweeted.
"Proud to have played cricket with u..thanks a lot from all malayali cricketrs..from my state..for making us believe anything is possible..," he further wrote.
IPL Bangalore franchise owner Vijay Mallya also hailed Tendulkar's achievement.
"Congrats Sachin on 100 International centuries. A glorious World Record never to be beaten," he tweeted.
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