Pakistani players paid glowing tributes to Anil Kumble describing him a fierce competitor and who gave his all for India.

Vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq said Kumble's decision to retire after the third Test against Australia would surely create a void in Indian cricket.

"He was a fierce competitor and the few times I played against him he didn't get me out too many times but his intensity in the middle was a lesson for us and we respected him for it," Misbah told PTI.

"He was a very aggressive spinner and there is no doubt in my mind that his retirement will create a big void in the Indian team.

"I was surprised at his decision to retire midway the series against Australia. But I think a senior player like him knows best when is the right time to quit," Misbah added.

Flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi feels that Kumble went out at just the right time with his head held high.

"His retirement would leave a big void in Indian cricket. He was a very influential player and it is not easy losing someone like him. But I guess he has gone out at just the right time with his head high and lot of respect and admiration for what he achieved for India," Afridi said.

Himself a leg-spinner in the unorthodox mould like Kumble, Afridi admitted he closely studied the Indian's bowling style and learnt from him.

Senior batsman Younis Khan said Kumble would be remembered for his commitment and as a gentleman cricketer.

"Kumble always gave 100 per cent in every game, his commitment is what I will remember most of him. He was a fierce competitor and true gentleman.

"He never wanted to offer you any cheap runs. If he bowled a bad ball and gave you cheap runs he would always be very angry with himself. Shane Warne was the same in that respect even though they were very different bowlers," Younis said. "But one similarity is that when Warne left the Australia team, there was nobody to take his place. It is the same with India. No matter how talented some youngsters may be, Kumble cannot be replaced," Younis opined.

Younis recalled a touching experience of Kumble's generosity in Sharjah.

"Off the field, he has always been a nice guy. I met him for the first time in 2000 when I was in Sharjah for a one-day series. All the teams (India, Pakistan and South Africa) were staying at the same hotel. The Indian team were having a lunch time function to celebrate Anil's Perfect 10 the year before (against Pakistan in Delhi).

"It was my first year in the Pakistan team and he was already a legend by then but he still found it in his heart to personally invite me to the function. I was very surprised by his generosity because he was a big man then and I was not. I was amazed actually that he should request my company. He was a real gentleman." Batsman Faisal Iqbal said Kumble could have carried on playing for at least another year.

"I played against him in early 2006 and late 2007 and found nothing different in his bowling. I got a century and a fifty in those matches and to me Kumble remained the same bowler.

"He had not lost his potency as a bowler despite what people want to believe in. I think he could have carried on playing for at least a year or so," Faisal said.