Diana Edulji was a role model for many modern-day Indian women cricketers and players alike
Our Bureau
New Delhi, India
Former pacer Jhulan Goswani paid rich tributes to Diana Edulji, who was roped into the ICC Hall of Fame as the first Indian woman cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, terming the ex-captain a “pioneer” of women’s cricket in the country.
Edulji was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame owing to her 17-year international playing career and her pioneering role in establishing the most successful domestic team in Indian women’s cricket history. “It indeed is a great honour to be the first Indian women’s cricketer to be inducted,” the 67-year-old said.
Legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag and Sri Lankan World Cup winner Aravinda de Silva were also inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame alongside Edulji for their stellar achievements.
Edulji was a trailblazer who enjoyed her international career and was arguably the first great female cricketer produced by India. A right-handed batter and slow left-arm bowler, She has played in three ICC Women’s Cricket World Cups, captaining India in 1978 and 1993, taking 14 wickets in the latter tournament. She struck a half-century in just her second Test, and her best bowling figures were 6-64 against Australia at Delhi.
In 1984, she convinced the Railways Minister to field a women’s cricket team, and subsequently Railways became the most successful side in Indian women’s cricket. She won 11 national titles for Railways to add to the three she had previously won with Mumbai.
By the time she retired after the 1993 World Cup, only Lyn Fullston had taken more wickets in all forms of international cricket.
