India's star opener, Virender Sehwag, has been inducted into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame in recognition of his stellar cricket career that spanned over a decade. The International Cricket Council announced the 2023 inductees on Monday, with Sehwag joining the illustrious list of cricket legends.
Accompanying Sehwag in this distinguished honor are India's trailblazer Diana Edulji and Sri Lanka's cricket superstar Aravinda de Silva. These three cricketing luminaries now hold the esteemed positions of inductees number 110, 111, and 112, respectively, in the ICC Hall of Fame.
Virender Sehwag played a pivotal role in India's World Cup-winning campaign in 2011. Over his record-breaking career, which spanned 14 years, Sehwag amassed over 17,000 runs in international cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. This recognition underscores the enduring legacies of Sehwag, Edulji, and de Silva in the rich history of international cricket.
"I would like to thank the ICC and the jury for inducting me with this honour. I feel extremely grateful for having spent a great part of my life doing what I loved most, ‘hitting the cricket ball'. I would also like to thank my family, friends, people I played with, and countless people who prayed for me selflessly,' said Sehwag.
Virender Sehwag's illustrious cricket career included a remarkable Test record, having scored 23 centuries and amassing 8,586 runs at an average of 49.34. His highest Test score of 319 against South Africa in Chennai in 2008 remains the best by any Indian player.
Sehwag's prowess extended to the white-ball format, where he amassed 8,273 runs in 251 ODIs for India. His remarkable innings of 219 against the West Indies in Indore in 2011 stands as the third-highest score achieved by any men's player in ODIs.
Meanwhile, Diana Edulji made history as the first Indian female cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Her 17-year international playing career showcased her talent as a slow left-arm orthodox spinner, leading to over 100 wickets for the Indian women's cricket team.
Edulji's impact transcended the playing field, as she played a pioneering role in establishing one of the most successful domestic teams in Indian women's cricket history. In her administrative role with Western Railways, Edulji championed employment opportunities for female cricketers in India, leaving an enduring legacy and shaping the sports policy of Western and Indian Railways.
For Edulji, the induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is not only a recognition of her on-field achievements but also a testament to her significant contributions off the field as a trailblazer for women's cricket in India.
"At the outset, I would like to thank the ICC and the Jury for having selected me to be inducted in the ICC Hall Of Fame 2023," Edulji said. "It indeed is a great honour to be the first Indian Women Cricketer to be inducted and join a galaxy of cricketers, male and female from across the world.
"I am delighted to be considered for this award. It's not only a proud moment for me, my family and friends but also for BCCI and Indian Women's Cricket," she added.
Sri Lanka's cricket luminary, Aravinda de Silva, enjoyed a distinguished 19-year international career, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. His remarkable contributions included a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's historic victory at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 1996.
De Silva's batting prowess was evident in both Test and one-day cricket. He notched up an impressive 20 Test centuries, the third-highest by any Sri Lankan men's player, during his enduring 18-year international journey. His proficiency extended to white-ball cricket, where he scored another 11 centuries in 50-over matches.
A defining moment in de Silva's career was his stellar performance in the 1996 World Cup final against Australia. Almost single-handedly, he guided Sri Lanka to a memorable victory with an unbeaten 107*, etching his name in cricketing history and contributing significantly to his team's triumph.
In reflecting on his remarkable career, de Silva expressed gratitude to his family for their instrumental role in guiding him through the challenges and successes of his cricketing journey. His induction into the ICC Hall of Fame stands as a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy in the world of cricket.
“I am filled with profound gratitude as I accept the immense honour of being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. This achievement is a tribute to the dedication, sacrifice, and love that have shaped my cricketing journey," de Silva said.
"My family, my parents, my sister, my wife and children are my anchor, and deserve the deepest thanks for their unwavering support and sacrifice, which have propelled me towards success. My friends, steadfast companions throughout my highs and lows, have been my pillars of strength."
The addition of Aravinda de Silva, Diana Edulji, and Virender Sehwag to the ICC Hall of Fame is a result of a thorough voting process involving existing Hall of Famers, media representatives, and senior executives from FICA (Federation of International Cricketers' Associations) and the ICC (International Cricket Council). These three cricketing luminaries have now secured their places in the prestigious list of legends, further solidifying their contributions to the sport and their enduring impact on international cricket. The induction is a recognition of their remarkable careers, achievements, and lasting legacies in the world of cricket.
(With Agency Inputs)
