The International Cricket Council (ICC) has proudly announced the induction of three cricketing greats into its prestigious Hall of Fame. Former Sri Lankan batting maestro Aravinda de Silva, Indian women’s cricket trailblazer Diana Edulji, and explosive Indian opener Virender Sehwag have been honored with this recognition. The trio was celebrated during the World Cup semi-final clash between India and New Zealand at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium.
Diana Edulji, who stands as the third-highest wicket-taker in Women’s Test cricket, has made history as the first Indian female cricketer to receive this accolade. Her illustrious international career spanned 17 years, during which she played in 20 Tests and 34 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). She also captained the Indian women’s team in two World Cups, held in 1978 and 1993. On receiving this honor, Edulji expressed a deep sense of pride, not only for herself, but also for her family, friends, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the entire Indian Women’s Cricket fraternity.
Aravinda de Silva’s career was marked by his elegance at the crease. He played a total of 93 Tests and 308 ODIs and was a vital player in the Sri Lankan squad that conquered the Cricket World Cup in 1996. His performance in the final against Australia was pivotal; he snagged three important wickets and then sealed the victory with an unbeaten century (107 not out). He credited his success to the unwavering support of his family, who he deemed his anchor. De Silva did not forget to extend gratitude to his coaches, mentors, teammates, adversaries, and fans, acknowledging them all as integral to his journey.
Sehwag, an iconic figure in modern cricket, is renowned for his aggressive batting style that entertained crowds worldwide. He notched up two massive triple centuries in Test cricket and a double century in ODIs, becoming a cornerstone of the Indian batting lineup. He was an essential part of India’s World Cup-winning team in 2011. Over his career, Sehwag represented India in 104 Tests, 251 ODIs, and 19 T20 Internationals. He spoke of his gratitude for being able to spend a major portion of his life pursuing his passion for cricket.
With the inclusion of these three legends, the ICC Hall of Fame now comprises 112 members, chosen through a meticulous voting process involving existing Hall of Famers, select media representatives, and senior figures from the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) and the ICC.
The induction of de Silva, Edulji, and Sehwag is not simply an acknowledgment of their individual contributions to cricket; it is a celebration of the diverse legacy they leave behind—a legacy that spans different eras, styles, and geographical landscapes within the sport. Their journeys have not only redefined their roles within their respective teams but also inspired a generation of cricketers to pursue excellence. As custodians of the game’s rich history, the ICC Hall of Fame stands to remind future cricketers and fans of the heights that passion, discipline, and talent can reach.
Cricket aficionados fondly remember the elegant strokes of de Silva, the disciplined bowling of Edulji, and the fearless hitting of Sehwag. As they take their place among the pantheon of cricket’s finest, their stories are etched in history, inviting us all to reminisce about their indelible marks on this cherished sport.