Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been sworn in as a member of parliament in India.

The 39-year-old batsman took his oath as a member of the upper house yesterday and became the first sportsman to enter Indian parliament while still playing.

"In the last 22 years of my international career, cricket has given me so much and I also wanted to give something back to cricket in the latter half of my life," Tendulkar told the BCCI's official website.

"Today with the nomination, I am in a better position not only to help cricket but also other sports. It means a lot to me. I will try to help other sports.

"But I believe there will be a few obstacles along the way, and I will need from my fellow parliamentarians, the administrators, media and our countrymen. Together we can make a lot of changes."

Tendulkar became the first player to reach 100 international centuries earlier this year.