Tendulkar ... to miss today's Olympic torch run. - File

MUMBAI, India (AP):

INDIA cricket star Sachin Tendulkar yesterday withdrew from the Olympic torch relay in New Delhi, just a day before the event.

Tendulkar said a groin injury would prevent him from taking part.

"I received an invitation from Indian Olympic Association to run with the Olympic torch. I am honoured at being invited, but I'll not be able to participate in the relay," said Tendulkar, adding that he withdrew on the advice of his physiotherapist.

The 34-year-old, who needs just 172 more runs to become the highest runscorer in Test cricket, will lead the Mumbai franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), a Twenty20 competition which begins this week.

Tendulkar was forced to miss the last two Tests of the recent three-match series against South Africa due to his groin injury.