After almost three years of an unproductive association, the Indian Air Force has dropped Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador.

01 / 9

After almost three years of an unproductive association, the Indian Air Force has dropped Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador. (BCCL/Sanjay Sekhri)

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02 / 9

According to reports IAF had decided to replace the legendary cricketer with its trainer aircraft 'Pilatus', pictures of which would now be used to attract youngsters to a life in the air. (BCCL/Sanjay Sekhri)

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03 / 9

Tendulkar, 40, was conferred the honour by Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Naik, amid loud applause from fellow officers at a ceremony in the Indian capital. (BCCL/Sanjay Sekhri)

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04 / 9

Tendulkar had been appointed to the rank of Group Captain in September 2010 in honour of his stupendous achievements on the field. (BCCL/Sanjay Sekhri)

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05 / 9

He thus became the first civilian to be accorded the honor. (BCCL/Sanjay Sekhri)

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06 / 9

"It was wishful thinking (that I would be part of the armed forces) and it has come true today. I'm extremely proud to be a part of the IAF. So dream, because dreams do come true," Tendulkar said after being inducted. (BCCL/Sanjay Sekhri)

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07 / 9

However, the partnership between two iconic institutions of India failed to yield the desired fruit, leading to the Air Force to sever ties with Tendulkar. (BCCL/Sanjay Sekhri)

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08 / 9

Tendulkar was the first sportsperson to be conferred a rank by the IAF and the first personality without an aviation background to receive the honour. (BCCL/Sanjay Sekhri)

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09 / 9

The IAF had hopes to motivate young people with Tendulkar's to join the force and serve the nation. But the association could not yield desired results. (BCCL/Sanjay Sekhri)

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