Breaking new ground, Diana Edulji has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to be honoured in the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame. Celebrated for her exceptional prowess as a slow left-arm orthodox spinner, Edulji’s cricketing legacy spans 20 Tests and 34 ODIs, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
However, Edulji’s impact extends beyond the playing field. As an administrator, she played a vital role in elevating opportunities for female cricketers in India. Her significant contributions at Western Railways not only increased employment options but also shaped the sports policies of Western and Indian Railways.
“It indeed is a great honour to be the first Indian Women Cricketer to be inducted and join a galaxy of cricketers, male and female from across the world.”
Diana Edulji, the First Indian Woman to be Honoured in the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame
Delighted by the recognition, she emphasised, ‘It’s not only a proud moment for me, my family and friends but also for BCCI and Indian Women’s Cricket.’
A Pioneer on the Field
Edulji’s journey began with breaking barriers on the field. India hosted the West Indies for a six-match Test series on home soil, where her outstanding performance of 17 wickets – the second most for any player – led to a tied scoreline at 1-1 with four matches drawn.
By 1978, Edulji was captaining India, ultimately retiring in the early 1990s with the honour of delivering the most deliveries by any woman in Test cricket. Her standout performances at three ICC Women’s Cricket World Cups included captaining India and finishing tied for third in most wickets (14) at her final edition in England in 1993.
Legacy Lives on in India’s Current Squad
Beyond her playing career, Edulji’s off-field exploits matched her on-field brilliance. In 1983, she received India’s esteemed Arjuna Award, followed by the civilian honour of Padma Shri in 2002. Thriving as an administrator with Western Railways, she worked tirelessly for equal rights for India’s female cricketers until her retirement in 2016.
Edulji’s enduring legacy is evident in women’s cricket in India, with 12 players from the recent ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup squad having an affiliation with the Railways, a testament to her impactful work.
This historic moment unfolds alongside the induction of cricket stalwarts Virender Sehwag and Aravinda de Silva, adding a compelling chapter to the narrative of the ICC Hall of Fame. Together, these cricket luminaries embody not only statistical brilliance but a profound impact on the sport’s trajectory.
Photo Caption: Cricket legend, Diana Edulji, secures her place in history as the inaugural Indian woman inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Original Image: ICC-Cricket.com
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