Cricket has consistently produced many great batters and bowlers, some of whom become the greatest. Many cricketers have redefined and made their impact in this game, and many players are included in the ICC Hall of Fame. The Cricket ICC Hall of Fame recognizes the contributions and achievements of the players who have been the legends of this game. So, here’s a list of the top ten cricketers in the ICC Hall of Fame.
1. Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar is a former right-handed batsman from India and one of the greatest cricketers that the world has ever seen. He was the first player to reach 10,000 runs in test cricket. In 1971, Sunil Gavaskar made his debut against West Indies, and his last match was against Pakistan in 1987. In his 16 years of career, Sunil Gavaskar has given many memorable victories to India. ICC included him in the Hall of Fame in 2009 for his outstanding contribution to cricket. Sunil Gavaskar played 125 tests and 108 ODI scoring more than 13,000 runs in his career.
2. Martin Crowe
Martin Crowe was one of the best batsmen that New Zealand has ever produced. In the era of reverse swing, he was the first batsman who used to play swing best. Martin Crowe played his debut match in 1992 against Australia. He represented New Zealand for 13 years; in 1995, Martin Crowe played his game against India. ICC included him in the Hall of Fame of 2015 for his contributions and efforts for his country and cricket. In his career, Martin Crowe scored 5,444 runs in tests and 4,704 runs in ODI cricket.
3. Jacques Kallis
There are debates regarding the best batsman and bowler. But there is no such debate for the best all-rounder as all people believe Jacques Kallis is the best all-rounder cricket has ever seen. He made his debut in 1996 against England and took retirement in the year 2014. In his 20 years of career, Jacques Kallis scored 13,289 runs in the test and 11,579 runs in the ODI, and he also took 292 wickets in the trial and 273 in the ODI. Undoubtedly, his contribution with bat and ball is unmatchable, and for this, ICC included Jacques Kallis in the ICC Hall of Fame in 2020.
4. Brian Lara
Brian Lara is one of the most elegant and talented batsmen that the cricket world has ever seen. He is also known as “The Prince”. Undoubtedly, he is one of the greatest players in the cricket history. In his prime, all bowlers in the world used to fear him as Lara was unstoppable. He was included in the ICC Hall of Fame in 2012 for his achievements and great memories in cricket. In his career, Brian Lara has scored 11,953 runs in tests and 10,405 runs in ODI cricket with an average of 53 and 40.5 respectively.
5. Anil Kumble
Subcontinent countries like Muralitharan, Abdul Qadir, and Anil Kumble have always produced great spinners. Anil Kumble is the best bowler that India has ever produced. No one can forget his ten-wicket haul against Pakistan in 1999. In 1990, Anil Kumble played his first match against England at Manchester, and after this, he became one of the main pillars of the Indian cricket team. In 2008, Anil Kumble played his last match against Australia. For his priceless contribution to the Indian team and cricket, ICC included him in the Hall of Fame in the year 2015.
6. Ian Botham
Ian Botham is a former right-handed batsman and bowler from England. Nobody can forget his magic in 1981’s ashes. Ian Botham is a member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom. Undoubtedly, he is one of the finest all-rounders in the cricket history. ICC honored him for his great success and achievements in cricket and included Ian Botham in the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009. In his career, he has scored 5,200 runs in tests, 2,113 runs in the ODI, and 383 wickets in tests, 145 in the ODI.
7. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is an inspiration for many youngsters. Even many players started cricket by watching Sachin. In 1989, he debuted against Pakistan; in 2013, he played his last match against West Indies. Sachin Tendulkar had unbelievable longevity in his career, as he represented India for 24 years. The ICC included Sachin in the ICC Hall of Fame in 2019 for his unmatchable records and achievements. In his career, Sachin Tendulkar has played 200 tests and 463 ODIs, scoring 15,921 and 18,426 runs, respectively.
8. Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath is one of the best bowlers who has contributed so much to Australian cricket. Even though he did not have pace, his accurate bowling made him one of the most challenging bowlers for batters. Australian bowling legend Glenn McGrath played his debut match against South Africa in 1993. In his career, he has taken 563 wickets in tests and 381 wickets in ODI. ICC honored him for his contribution and legacy and included him in the ICC Hall of Fame in 2012.
9. Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan is one of the greatest spinners in cricket history and has influenced many youngsters to play cricket. Muttiah Muralitharan is still the leading wicket-taker in the test and ODI formats. In his playing days, no batter wanted to face him. ICC included Muralitharan in the Hall of Fame for his contribution to cricket in 2016. In his career, he has taken 800 wickets in tests and 534 wickets in ODI.
10. Wasim Akram
From one great bowler to another, Wasim Akram. In his prime, he was the most dangerous bowler who used to trouble and dismiss batters with his swing and pace. In 1985, Wasim Akram debuted against New Zealand and played 18 years for his country. For his contribution and achievements in cricket, ICC included him in the Hall of Fame in the year 2009. In his career, Wasim Akram has taken 414 tests and 502 wickets in ODI.
