Kumble will become the 77th member of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Former India leg-spinner Anil Kumble will be inducted into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket Hall of Fame during India’s World Cup match against South Africa on February 22 in Melbourne.
The ceremony will take place during the innings break and Kumble, who is currently the chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee, will be formally inducted by Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards.
During his illustrious international career, Kumble took 619 Test wickets, which puts him at third on the all-time wicket-takers list in Test cricket. He also claimed 337 ODI wickets, which puts him at ninth on the all-time list in that format.
Apart from England off-spinner Jim Laker, Kumble is only other player to take all ten wickets in an innings. He accomplished this incredible feat against Pakistan in New Delhi in February 1999.
“Anil was an outstanding international cricketer, a very well-respected opponent, a great statesman for his country and a role model for millions of aspiring cricketers,” ICC chief executive David Richardson said. “He played hard but within the spirit of the game. His performance and record speak volumes for his tenacity, commitment, endurance and service to the game.”
It has also been announced that the late Betty Wilson will join Kumble in the ICC Hall of Fame.
Wilson is regarded as one of the best women’s cricketers of all time after having scored 862 runs at a sensational average of 57.40 in the 11 Tests she played for Australia. Wilson also took 68 wickets at a spectacular average of 11.80.
Since Wilson passed away at the age of 88 in 2010, her nephew, Ken, will accept the award on her behalf from Richardson.