Dravid, Ponting, Taylor included in ICC Hall of Fame
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Legendary former India and Australia batsmen Rahul Dravid and Ricky Ponting have been included in the ICC Hall of Fame, along with former England wicketkeeper-batswoman Claire Taylor on a radiant event in Dublin on Sunday.
After being inducted in the Hall of Fame, Rahul Dravid spoke at the event and revealed his honour at being bestowed such a reputable award. In his speech, he thanked his friends and families and his former team-mates and coaches for backing him during his playing days.
He also took the opportunity to thank BCCI and KCSA for their support and ICC for awarding him such an honour.
“It is a matter of great honour to be named by the ICC in the Cricket Hall of Fame. To find your name in a list of all-time greats across generations is something one only dreams of while setting out on a cricket career and the kind of recognition that would delight any player.
“I’m thankful to my near and dear ones as well as players I have played with and against, coaches and officials who have backed me over the years and helped me develop as a cricketer. I would also like to thank the KSCA and the BCCI for all the support over the years and the ICC for recognizing my achievements and picking me in this group of Hall of Fame inductees.”
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Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting also spoke after receiving the award, revealing his gratitude at being selected for being presented with such a prestigious accolade.
“I feel deeply honoured to be recognised by the ICC in this way. I loved every moment of my journey as a player and am so very proud of the team and personal achievements along the way.
“These would not have been possible without the help of so many people including my teammates, coaches and support staff that played such an integral part in my playing career. I would like to especially thank my family for their constant support and direction. Honours like this are just as much for them as it is for me.”
Finally, Claire Taylor followed suit and revealed her honour at being sharing the same accolade with players she had looked up during her career.
"It's a great honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame alongside some of the greatest names of the men's and women's game from across the world and throughout the generations, players who I looked up to during my playing career and hold in great esteem.
“I would like to thank everyone who helped me achieve my dreams of success with England, particularly my parents for their support from my early days in the game, Mark Lane for his coaching wisdom, the ECB for their support of the national team, my team-mates and support staff and my colleagues at SUMS Consulting, for their flexibility and confidence that I could deliver success both on and off the field over the last five years of my international cricket career."
Picture credit: Getty