ICC has added three illustrious cricketers to its prestigious Hall of Fame. South African icon AB de Villiers, England’s legendary opener Alastair Cook, and India’s pioneering spinner Neetu David are the latest inductees, recognized for their outstanding contributions to the sport.
Former RCB superstar AB de Villiers, known for his explosive and innovative batting style, has been a global cricket sensation. Over a career spanning 14 years, de Villiers played 114 Tests, scoring 8,765 runs at an average of 50.66, alongside 9,577 runs in 228 ODIs at an average of 53.50. His aggressive batting style made him a formidable force across all formats, including T20Is, where he amassed 1,672 runs.
De Villiers is revered not only for his batting but also for his extraordinary fielding and leadership on the field. He holds the record for the fastest-ever men’s ODI century and won several ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year awards. His career total of 20,014 international runs ranks second among South African players, only behind Jacques Kallis.
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Reflecting on his induction, de Villiers expressed his gratitude for the support of his teammates, coaches, and support staff throughout his journey. He acknowledged the team spirit in cricket, saying, “I know I would have achieved nothing without the help and support of so many teammates, coaches and support staff from my early days at school in Pretoria, through so many memorable days at the Titans and with the South Africa team.” His induction cements his legacy as one of the most influential cricketers of the modern era.
Neetu David becomes only the second woman from India to join the ICC Hall of Fame, following the footsteps of Diana Edulji. David, a left-arm spinner, made an indelible mark on Indian women’s cricket with her exceptional bowling before the modern era of women superstar players.
David’s remarkable achievements include Test figures of 8/53 against England in 1995, which remain the best by any woman in a Test innings. Beyond her playing career, she has continued to contribute to the game by serving as the selection chair for India’s women’s team, playing a key role in nurturing the next generation of players.
Alastair Cook, one of England’s finest-ever Test openers, is known for his consistency, discipline, and resilience at the crease and is another inducted into the Hall of Fame. Cook’s 161-match Test career saw him score 12,472 runs, making him England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer and one of the top six run-scorers in Test history.
Cook’s career was marked by numerous highlights, including his instrumental roles in England’s famous 2010-11 Ashes victory and the 2012 series win in India. He was also a dedicated captain, leading England to many significant victories during his tenure.
Despite retiring in 2018, Cook remains one of the most respected figures in world cricket. His mental toughness and fitness were exemplified by his record-breaking 159 consecutive Test appearances, a feat unmatched in the game. Upon his induction, Cook expressed his surprise and humility, acknowledging the privilege of being part of such an esteemed group of cricketers.
The ICC Hall of Fame is an honorary recognition established by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to celebrate and honor the greatest cricketers in the history of the sport. It was launched in 2009, as part of the ICC’s centennial celebrations, and serves as a way to recognize players who have made significant contributions to the game, both on and off the field.
The purpose of the ICC Hall of Fame is to preserve cricket’s rich legacy and highlight the exceptional achievements of players who have left a lasting impact on the sport. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected from across the history of cricket, spanning different eras, and include male and female cricketers from both Test-playing and associate nations.
The ICC Hall of Fame includes many of the greatest names in cricket history, such as Don Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, Viv Richards, Shane Warne, and Muttiah Muralitharan. It also recognizes players from different eras, ensuring that legends from the early days of cricket, such as WG Grace, are honored alongside modern stars like Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting.
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