Keeping aside the political tension between India and Pakistan, legendary ex-India batsman Sachin Tendulkar has expressed his condolences to Pakistan batsman Asif Ali’s daughter who passed away after losing her battle with stage IV cancer. Ali’s daughter was just two years old and was shifted to the United States for treatment last month.

Asif had received the news just moments after he batted in the fifth ODI against England. Asif had left the team immediately to be with his family in the tough moments. As soon as the news came out, cricketers and fans from across the globe showed solidarity with Asif and Tendulkar has not remained behind either. Asif was later named in Pakistan’s World Cup squad and Tendulkar thinks the daughter’s loss will be on the batsman’s mind.

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Asif Ali (Credits: Getty)

“Look, the loss of an immediate family member devastates. I express my heartfelt condolences to Asif, his wife and the other family members,” Tendulkar told The Telegraph.  “Such losses are irreparable and Asif is bound to keep thinking of his late daughter even when he’s back in England for the World Cup.”

Tendulkar is no stranger to such situation. The batting great had lost his father during the 1999 World Cup and had returned home midway through the tournament to be with his family at the time. He had later to England and scored an unbeaten 140 against Kenya. Tendulkar had famously dedicated that ton to his father by looking towards the heaven after completing his century.

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Sachin Tendulkar, Asif Ali
Sachin Tendulkar (Credits: Twitter)

“I say that from my own sad experience as I lost my father very early in the 1999 World Cup and had returned home (for the last rites). Despite going back, in the thick of action, I couldn’t get the loss of my father out of my thoughts. It takes time. I wish Asif well,” Tendulkar said.

Meanwhile, India and Pakistan will lock horns in the high-voltage clash at the World Cup on June 16 in Manchester.