Three ex-cricketers on Wednesday, were inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, for their extraordinary contribution to the sport, including former England skipper Alastair Cook, South African AB De Villiers, and women’s spinner and current selector Neetu David.
A legend of the game, Cook accumulated 12,472 runs in Tests for England and slammed 33 tons on the way. The southpaw, who bid adieu to cricket in 2018, said, “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.
As for Neetu David, one of her biggest achievements in her career was, becoming the first Indian woman bowler to bag 100 ODI wickets. IN fact, she played an instrumental role in taking the team to the ODI World Cup final in 2006, ending as the highest wicket-taker there.
Lastly, ABD was perhaps the most remarkable player to come out of South Africa, in the last two decades. In a 14-year-career, he slammed over 20,000 runs across al formats and played majorly in the field, with his gun fielding. ICC Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to announce the addition of Alastair, Neetu and AB to the long list of cricketing icons that form the illustrious ICC Hall of Fame, as the Class of 2024.
“Once again, we find ourselves celebrating not only truly great players, but elite innovators, record-breakers and passionate competitors that excelled on the field of play during their glittering international careers.
“Beyond their remarkable statistics spanning all formats of the game, all three have made significant contributions to the way the game is played today and are worthy additions to the ICC Hall of Fame. We look forward to acknowledging their lasting legacies in Dubai later this week.”
Alastair Cook: “I am delighted to have been chosen to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. It is a huge honour to join some of the greatest players to have ever played the game.
“I have always felt very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play for Essex and England and so to have this latest honour given to me just makes it all the more special.”
Neetu David: “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.
“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.”
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