“I would like to thank the ICC and the jury"
The International Cricket Council has announced three new additions to the ICC Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame was launched on January 2, 2009, in association with the Federation of International Cricketers Associations (FICA), as part of the ICC’s centenary year celebrations.
It recognises the achievements of cricket legends from the sport’s long history.
The 2023 edition sees Virender Sehwag, trailblazer Diana Edulji and Sri Lanka’s Aravinda de Silva inducted.
We look at each cricketer and the achievements that have made them deserving of an ICC Hall of Fame spot.
Virender Sehwag
One of the best batters in the modern era, Virender Sehwag has a record that is not matched by many.
During his career, Sehwag scored 23 Test centuries, the fifth most by an Indian men’s player.
His highest score came in 2008 with 319 runs against South Africa.
But it was not just Test matches that Sehwag thrived. He had an equally impressive ODI record.
Sehwag amassed 8,273 runs in ODIs and his 219 against the West Indies remains the third-highest score achieved by any men’s player at ODI level.
He also played an important role in helping India claim their second ICC World Cup in 2011.
On joining the ICC Hall of Fame, Sehwag said:
“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.”
Diana Edulji
Trailblazer Diana Edulji made a huge impact on and off the field.
Over three decades, Edulji played 54 matches for India. She made her mark as a slow left-arm spin bowler.
Off the field, she was an administrator for Western Railways.
In her role, Edulji worked to increase employment opportunities for talented female cricketers in India and helped shape the sports policy of Western and Indian Railways.
Becoming the first woman in the ICC Hall of Fame, she said:
“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.”
“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.”
Aravinda De Silva
A winner of the ICC World Cup with Sri Lanka in 1996, Aravinda De Silva joins the ICC Hall of Fame.
During an 18-year international career, he scored 20 Test centuries – the third most by any Sri Lanka men’s player.
In ODI matches, he scored 11 centuries.
His crowning moment came in the 1996 World Cup final when he almost single-handedly helped his side against Australia with an unbeaten 107.
De Silva was known for being able to adapt his way of playing.
Thanking his family, he said: “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.”
“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.
“To my coaches, teachers, fans and supporters, your relentless belief in me has fuelled my drive to succeed.
“My mentors and captains have guided and inspired me, and my teammates have been my extended family on this incredible journey. To the ones I have played against, thank you for enriching
my game.
“My sincere appreciation goes to the ICC, and the Hall of Fame voting committee for this extraordinary recognition. I share this honour with all who have stood by and shaped me.
“Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey.”
These hall of famers are deserving of the accolade for the impact they have had on cricket.
Induction ceremonies take place throughout the cricket calendar and inductees are presented with a commemorative ICC Hall of Fame cap.
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