The Cricinfo Honours awards have recognized three legendary cricketers as the greatest international players of the 21st century. India's Sachin Tendulkar, South Africa's Jacques Kallis, and Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan were voted by fans and experts alike for their extraordinary contributions to the sport.
Tendulkar: The Master Blaster
Sachin Tendulkar, often hailed as the greatest batsman in cricket history, amassed over 34,000 runs in international cricket, including 100 centuries. His career spanned from 1989 to 2013, during which he became the first cricketer to score a double century in a One Day International (ODI). Tendulkar's consistency and longevity made him a fan favorite worldwide.
Kallis: The All-Round Genius
Jacques Kallis is widely regarded as one of the finest all-rounders the game has ever seen. He scored more than 25,000 runs and took over 570 wickets in international cricket. Kallis's ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him an invaluable asset for South Africa. His technique and temperament were second to none.
Muralitharan: The Spin Wizard
Muttiah Muralitharan, with his unorthodox spin bowling, finished his career with a record 800 Test wickets and 534 ODI wickets. His unique action and ability to extract turn from any surface made him a nightmare for batsmen. Muralitharan played a key role in Sri Lanka's rise in world cricket.
Voting Process
The awards were decided through a combination of fan votes and a panel of cricket experts. The three players emerged as the top picks from a shortlist of 10 nominees. Each player was recognized for their impact on the game in the 21st century.
Other Honorees
The Cricinfo Honours also celebrated other categories, including the best Test innings, ODI innings, and bowling performances of the century. However, the top honor for the greatest international cricketers went to Tendulkar, Kallis, and Muralitharan.
This recognition cements their legacy as icons of the sport who have inspired generations of cricketers around the world.
