South Africa’s cricketing maestro AB de Villiers, former England captain Alastair Cook, and India women’s cricket great Neetu David have been inducted into the prestigious International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame. The announcement, made on October 16, celebrates the trio’s contributions to the sport, recognizing their extraordinary careers.
AB de Villiers: The Game-Changer
AB de Villiers, one of the most dynamic cricketers of his generation, becomes the 115th player to enter the Hall of Fame. Over his illustrious 14-year career, de Villiers scored over 20,000 international runs across formats, cementing his status as one of cricket’s most innovative and destructive batsmen.
Known for his unorthodox shots and lightning-fast hand-eye coordination, de Villiers holds records for the fastest fifty (16 balls), century (31 balls), and 150 (64 balls) in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). His versatility and prowess made him a force in both Test and T20 cricket, earning him a special place in cricketing folklore.
“It is a tremendous honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, joining a select group of cricketers to be recognized in this way,” de Villiers expressed in a statement. “Cricket has given me so much, and to receive this recognition is truly humbling.”
Alastair Cook: The Run-Machine
Former England captain Alastair Cook, now inductee No. 113, is widely regarded as one of the finest opening batsmen in Test cricket history. Cook retired from international cricket in 2018 as England’s highest Test run-scorer, amassing 12,472 runs in 161 Tests at an average of 45.35. He also captained England during some of their most significant Test victories, both at home and abroad.
Cook’s consistency, discipline, and endurance set him apart, and he remains England’s most prolific century-maker in Test cricket. His legacy as a leader and a top-order batsman continues to inspire generations of cricketers.
Reflecting on his induction, Cook said, “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 fortunate to play for Essex and England, and this honour makes it all the more special.”
Neetu David: India’s Spin Sensation
Neetu David, one of India’s finest women cricketers, becomes the first Indian woman to achieve 100 wickets in ODIs, earning her spot as inductee No. 114. Renowned for her left-arm spin, David was a key player for India during her career, leading the wicket-takers’ list at the 2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup, where India reached their first final.
Her skill, consistency, and contributions to women’s cricket have earned her a lasting legacy, and her induction into the Hall of Fame reflects her remarkable achievements.
“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,” David said. “This caps a very special journey for me, and I am grateful for the opportunities cricket has given me.”
A Celebration of Cricketing Excellence
The ICC Hall of Fame, launched in 2009 as part of the cricket body’s centenary celebrations, serves as a tribute to the legends of the sport. The Class of 2024, comprising de Villiers, Cook, and David, will be honoured in Dubai during the final stages of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
The ICC Hall of Fame continues to celebrate those who have made a significant impact on the game, and the inclusion of these three remarkable cricketers reflects their exceptional careers and contributions to the sport.
Class of 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
AB de Villiers (South Africa)
- 114 Tests: 8,765 runs at 50.66, 222 catches, 5 stumpings
- 228 ODIs: 9,577 runs at 53.50, 176 catches, 5 stumpings
- 78 T20Is: 1,672 runs at 26.12, 65 catches, 7 stumpings
Alastair Cook (England)
- 161 Tests: 12,472 runs at 45.35, 33 centuries
- 92 ODIs: 3,204 runs at 36.40
- 4 T20Is: 61 runs at 15.25
Neetu David (India)
- 10 Tests: 41 wickets at 18.90
- 97 ODIs: 141 wickets at 16.34
As cricket fans celebrate this achievement, the Class of 2024 will forever be remembered as a group that contributed significantly to the game and left a lasting impact on its global legacy.
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