Mumbai, Oct 14 (IANS): Sachin Tendulkar's innings on the cricket field may have come to an end, but the "icon" and "legend" will continue to inspire generations, say Bollywood's cricket lovers like Naseeruddin Shah and Kabir Bedi.

Tendulkar last week announced he will exit from all forms of international cricket after his 200th Test against the West Indies in November.

The news left several cricket fans upset.

Here's what some of the men in tinsel town have to say:

Naseeruddin Shah: It's sad, but it had to happen. We should be thankful for having him on the field for so long. May the rest of his life bring him the same joy he has given us. I hope he gets a great send-off.

Kabir Bedi: "India's greatest cricketer retires, but only from the play field. He will remain forever an icon, a legend, a towering figure in cricket.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui: He is a great role model of the cricket field, and his game inspires generations in every field of life. I love his passion for cricket. Sachin is irreplaceable.

Sonu Sood: Cricket without Sachin Tendulkar can never be a complete experience. I feel millions of cricket enthusiasts around the world might lose interest in cricket without Sachin. I don't know if I will watch a match that avidly again.

Shailendra Singh (producer and sports enthusiast): The end of an innings has always led to the beginning of a new innings. Sachin's innings on the field has just ended. But his innings off the field has just started. Sachin Tendulkar for India and the world is the ultimate sports icon. He has the power to inspire generations.