Alastair Cook, Neetu David & AB de Villiers Join ICC Hall of Fame

On Wednesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced new members of the ICC Hall of Fame. Former cricketers Alastair Cook, Neetu David, and AB de Villiers will be the club's 113th, 114th, and 115th members. Nitu David is the only woman cricketer in the trio. She played 10 Tests and 97 ODIs for India. David joined Diana Edulji to become the second women’s cricketer to be included in the ICC Hall of Fame.

Notably, Nitu David was the first Indian player to reach the mark of 100 ODI wickets in women’s cricket. The former left-arm spinner was also the leading wicket-taker in the 2005 World Cup and helped India to reach their maiden final of any women’s ICC event. She has the record for the best bowling figure (53/8) in the Test format for any women’s cricketer. 

David, the current Chief Selector of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, expressed her gratitude upon being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. She said, 

"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.”  

ICC Celebrates Alastair Cook's Contribution to Cricket

Meanwhile, Alastair Cook, former English captain and England’s second-highest leading run-scorer in Test format found his name in the iconic club. Cook finished his career as one of the leading run-getters in Test cricket. Recently, Joe Root broke his record for most runs in the red ball format by an English batter. Cook scripted a famous Test series win in India in 2012. He was the leading run-scorer for England in the 2010-11 Ashes win in Australia after 24 years. Cook shared his views on the ICC website and said, 

"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."

One of Cricket's Most Entertaining Players Honored

South African batsman AB de Villiers also joined the ICC Hall of Fame. The 360-degree player retired from international cricket in 2018 with an average of more than 50 in Tests and ODIs. He was known for his attacking ability and his new techniques of shots. He created a world record for the fastest half-century, century, and 150 in the ODI format. He guided South Africa to the 2015 World Cup semifinals. The Proteas legend added his thoughts via ICC and said,

"Cricket is often described as an individual sport within a team game … and it's true that, whether you are a batsman taking guard at the crease or a bowler pausing at the start of his run-up, you - and only you - are responsible for what happens. 

"That said, everyone who plays cricket understands it is, in spirit, a team game. And I know I would have achieved nothing without the help and support of so many team-mates, coaches, and support staff from my early days at school in Pretoria, through so many memorable days at the Titans and with the South Africa team - and, indeed in franchise cricket - all around the world. To all of them, to the ICC, and supporters around the world, thank you."

De Villiers had a huge impact on international cricket during his long 14-year career. He scored more than 20,000 runs across all formats. He also has multiple ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year Awards and was part of the ICC Test Team of the Year many times. Virat Kohli also wrote a letter to AB De Villiers congratulating him on this achievement. Both players have played together in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore. 

All three players had great success and left a legacy in international cricket. Nitu David’s remarkable numbers in the 2005 World Cup, Cook’s 766 runs in an away Ashes tour to script a win after 24 years and ABD’s quickest 150 against West Indies during the World Cup will remain iconic moments. 

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