He isn't going to play ODIs so there's no question that he'd have skipped the West Indies ODI series no matter what.
If he had played tests and injured himself then that would be entirely different. The whole point is, you cannot miss a test series for the freaking IPL. There's just no excuse.
So he would have skipped two ODI series in a row?
There is a reason why he has not retired from ODI's.
And if there had been a test series he would have missed the whole WI tour regardless.
Besides the Mumbai team and the IPL in general cannot exist without the stars. Sachin brings in the crowds like no one other(Average attendance around all the IPL venues were up atleast 30 to 40% for the matches involving Sachin and for that reason alone).
So there is pressure on him non monetary too plus he is pretty much in charge of Mumbai Indians at the moment and also a very good friend of the Ambani's.Plus the loyalty with his city of Mumbai.
The IPl won't be the same without him and the other big Indian names.
And a less succesful IPl in turn means that the domestic players get less money and less chances to improve themselves as they have done and even the likes of Badrinath and Kohli have admitted.
Also whether people admit it or not ,West Indies is no longer an attractive tour these days.
There is no way he would have missed this tour had it been England or Australia.
He missed the last tour to the West Indies due to shoulder problems ,even though he could have toured if required,IIRC.
And would you really begrudge a Kohli or Badrinath getting a run in his place ?
This is a perfect test tour to Blood the youngsters in,too without it being too easy or too tough.
And some spots are still up for grabs for England and Australian tours.
@ the money argument. You make it sound like Tendulkar's a greedy man. This is the guy who turned down a million dollar alcohol contract. He's the richest cricketer in the world, for crying out loud.
