A cricket stump autographed by India's master blaster Sachin Tendulkar fetched 15,000 rand (approx Rs 90,000) when auctioned in Durban, South Africa, on Tuesday night.

The auction took place at the end of a charity golf tournament in aid of the Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities of KwaZulu-Natal.

The stump, initially priced at 2000 rand (approx Rs 12,000) was purchased by a chemical engineer, Brian Wittuhuhn, who later said in an interview that he was prepared to pay the high price for one stump because "firstly I admire Tendulkar very much and, secondly, I am giving the money to a worthwhile charity".

"Tendulkar is one of the most natural and talented players I have ever seen and to add to this he's one of the most humble and modest sportsmen," Wittuhuhn said.

Wittuhuhn gave the cricket stump back to the organisation so that they could auction it again at their charity golf tournament next year.

The cricket stump was donated by a local businessman, Lal Singh, who had purchased it during the 2003 cricket World Cup, held in South Africa early this year.

Lal Singh, a Durban financial consultant, said although he had paid a great deal of money for the Tendulkar-autographed stump he was happy to make the donation to the association.

"It gives one satisfaction that the money is going towards a deserving cause," he said.