Kumble inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Melbourne, Feb 22 (IANS) Former India spinner Anil Kumble was Sunday inducted into the prestigious International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here.

Kumble became the fourth Indian to be given the honour after Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Bishan Singh Bedi and also joins the likes of Australian legends Donald Bradman and Shane Warne.

"It's an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. I deem it as a great privilege to join the list of great cricketing luminaries," said the 44-year-old.

A former India captain, Kumble played 132 Tests for India, capturing 619 wickets and became the second man in history to take 10 wickets in an innings when he dismantled Pakistan in 1999 to finish with figures of 10/74.

Praising his achievements and commitment to the game, ICC chief executive David Richardson said: "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, 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."

Also added to the ICC Hall of Fame in the class of 201-15 was Australian women's cricket legend Betty Wilson, who died Jan 22, 2010.

The induction took place in the innings break during the India vs South Africa World Cup Pool B match at the MCG. ICC director and chairman of Cricket Australia (CA) Wally Edwards presented Kumble with his commemorative cap while Wilson’s commemorative cap was received by her nephew Ken Wilson from Richardson.