Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar has been inducted into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame alongside South African pace legend Allan Donald.
Joining Tendulkar and Donald in the Hall of Fame wastwo-time World Cup-winning Australian woman cricketer Cathryn Fitzpatrick.
“It is an honour to be inducted into the ICC CricketHall of Fame, which cherishes the contribution of cricketers over generations.They have all contributed to the growth and popularity of the game and I amhappy to have done my bit,” Tendulkar said at the induction ceremony heldhere on Sunday night.
“On this occasion, I would like to thank all of thosewho were by my side over a long international career. My parents, brother Ajitand wife Anjali have been pillars of strength while I was lucky to have someonelike coach Ramakant Achrekar as an early guide and mentor,” the maestrosaid.
Tendulkar, the most prolific batsman in history, wasinducted immediately after becoming eligible for induction, which requires thata player should have played his last international match at least five yearsbefore.
The 46-year-old former right-hand batsman is regarded thegreatest to have played the game along with Sir Donald Bradman and remains thetop run-accumulator in both Tests and ODIs.
Tendulkar, who retired in November 2013, tallied 15,921 runsin Tests and 18,426 in ODIs, both of which remain records. He is the sixthIndian to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said: “It is a greathonour for us to announce the 2019 inductees into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.Sachin, Allan and Cathryn are three of the finest players to ever grace ourgame and are deserved additions to the Hall of Fame. “On behalf of the ICC, I would like tocongratulate all three players, who enrich the list of all-time greats alreadymembers of this select club.”