Before Neetu David, Who Was The First Indian Woman To Enter ICC Hall Of Fame?

Diana Edulji [Source: @ICC/Instagram]

Former Indian spinner Neetu David was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on October 16. David, who holds the record of claiming the best bowling figures in women’s Test history, became only the second Indian women’s cricketer to join the elite ICC club.

Back in November 2023, the ICC had inducted a certain former Indian captain into its Hall of Fame. Celebrating Neetu David’s success, here we take a look at the first ever Indian women’s cricketer to join ICC’s elite club of legends.

First Indian women cricketer to join ICC Hall of Fame

Back in November 2023, former Indian captain Diana Edulji was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. In doing so, Edulji became the first-ever Indian women’s cricketer to join the historic club.

Making her international debut in Bengaluru in November 1976, Diana Edulji went on to play 20 Tests and 34 ODIs for Team India until her final appearance in July 1993. Nicknamed the ‘trailblazer’ for her on-field dynamics, the left-arm spinner picked up 63 wickets in 35 Test innings at an impressive bowling average of 25.77. She also collected 46 additional wickets in ODIs at a striking average of 16.84.

Diana Edulji also won the Arjuna Award, India’s then greatest sporting honor, back in 1983. She worked in a BCCI administration panel for a while after getting appointed for the role in early 2017.

Notably, Diana Edulji was one of the three cricketing personalities to get inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame back in November 2023. The apex body also added former Indian men’s opening batter and 2011 World Cup-winner Virender Sehwag, as well as legendary Sri Lankan cricketer and 1996 champion Aravinda de Silva.

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