Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council on Wednesday named South African legend AB de Villiers, former England captain Alastair Cook and India legend Neetu David as the latest inductees in the ICC Hall of Fame.
Famously known as Mr.360, De Villiers scored over 20,000 international runs for the Proteas in a career that spanned 14 years.
Former India spinner David became only the second Indian woman to be inducted into ICC Hall of Fame.Former captain Diana Edulji was the first Indian woman in the Hall of Fame inducted last year.
On the other hand Sir Alastair Cook, one of the finest openers in world cricket, represented England in 161 Tests, scoring 12,472 runs. Cook retired as England’s all-time leading run-scorer.
David featured in over 100 matches for the country (10 Tests and 97 ODIs) and was the second-highest wicket-taker ever for India in ODIs with 141 scalps.
“It is truly an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, something that I consider to be the highest recognition available to anyone who puts on their national team jersey. This comes after a lifetime of dedication to this great sport and it caps a very special journey for me to get to this point,” David said.
“To be considered a Hall of Famer alongside the greatest players that ever lived is humbling, and I am thrilled to be part of this exclusive club.
“I would like to thank the ICC for the recognition, as well as all the BCCI, my teammates, coaches, family and friends that were a constant source of support throughout my career,” David added.
De Villiers represented South Africa in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is, accumulating over 20,000 runs combined.
“It is a tremendous honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, joining a select group of cricketers to be recognised in this way,” de Villiers said.
In his prolific Test career, Cook made a stunning 159 consecutive Test appearances and the 2010-11 Ashes win and 2012 Test series win in India were his major Test career highlights.
“It was a surprise, and certainly just when you read the list of people that you’re joining, it’s a great list to have joined. I feel very privileged,” Cook said.
“Every time I pulled on the English shirt, I tried my best to be as good as I could be. I had the best 20 years playing cricket.
“I was very lucky to stay injury-free, meet some great people, share some great highs, and some great lows, which I think are important as well, and make memories which I’ll never forget,” Cook added.
The ICC Hall of Fame was launched in January 2009.
The Class of 2024 — De Villiers, Cook and David — will be celebrated in Dubai this week.
