Amid the rising demands to boycott India’s clash against Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup, Tendulkar had on Friday endorsed Sunil Gavaskar's view that India would be better off beating Pakistan in the World Cup than forfeiting the June 16 tie in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel.
The veteran cricketer is facing backlash from some fans who believe that India should boycott the match with Pakistan in the upcoming mega event at England.
Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, defending the icon, said that those who are slamming Tendulkar should remember that he started his career by beating Pakistan.
Addressing a joint rally of Congress and NCP at Parli in Beed district of Maharashtra, Pawar, a former president of International Cricket Council as well as BCCI, said Tendulkar is a "Bharat Ratna" and Sunil Gavaskar is another cricket icon who brought laurels to the country.
Gavaskar has echoed Tendulkar's views on the matter.
"Both believe that India can beat Pakistan and emerge victorious in the World Cup. But Tendulkar is being criticised, saying he is favouring Pakistan.
"He began his illustrious career as a 15-year-old by defeating Pakistan," Pawar said.
Former and current cricketers have expressed varied opinions on severing cricketing ties with Pakistan. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Saturday said he would rather want the coveted crown and not worry about losing two points.