The ICC announced seven new additions to the ICC Hall of Fame on Monday, inducting a notable group of former greats at a gala event held at Abbey Road Studios in London.ICC Chair Jay Shah welcomed the new inductees, saying: “Through the ICC Hall of Fame, we pay tribute to the finest players the game has seen, individuals whose remarkable careers have shaped cricket’s legacy and inspired generations,” Shah said.“This year, we are privileged to induct seven truly outstanding individuals into this prestigious group. On behalf of the ICC, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of them and hope they cherish this well-deserved recognition as a defining moment in their cricketing journey.”THE SEVEN INDUCTEES:MATTHEW HAYDENTests: 103 – 8,625 runs @ 50.73ODIs: 161 – 6,133 runs @ 43.80T20Is: 9 – 308 runs @ 51.33A powerful opening batter who dominated even the fiercest fast bowlers, Matthew Hayden becomes part of the ICC Hall of Fame’s exclusive club.With 30 Test centuries and an average over 50, his numbers in the longest format speak volumes. He was equally effective in ODIs, scoring three centuries in the 2007 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top run-scorer.Hayden was part of two World Cup-winning squads and has since become a respected cricket commentator.“The ICC Hall of Fame includes many of my heroes of yesteryear as well as contemporaries whom I admired and enjoyed competing against,” Hayden said.“Each of these players gave something to the game in their own way. It is incredible to be recognised along with them.”HASHIM AMLATests: 124 – 9,282 runs @ 46.64ODIs: 181 – 8,113 runs @ 49.46T20Is: 44 – 1,277 runs @ 33.60A calm and composed top-order batter, Hashim Amla was South Africa’s anchor and a pillar of consistency.While his Test numbers were exceptional, his ODI performances were even more prolific. Amla’s elegant stroke play and mental strength helped him notch 55 international centuries and become the first South African to score a Test triple century – 311* vs England in 2012.“It is an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, especially alongside Graeme,” Amla said.“The Hall of Fame includes some of the most celebrated players in the history of cricket… such recognition feels surreal, and I am really thankful.”
Ms DonaTests: 90 – 4,876 runs @ 38.08, 294 dismissalsODIs: 350 – 10,773 runs @ 50.57, 444 dismissalsT20Is: 98 – 1,617 runs @ 37.60, 91 dismissalsMS Dhoni, one of India’s most successful captains and finishers, is a popular inclusion.His most iconic moment remains the six that clinched the 2011 World Cup. Dhoni revolutionised wicketkeeping and set the benchmark for finishing games in limited-overs formats. He remains the only captain to win all three major ICC white-ball titles — 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy.“It is an honour to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognises the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world,” Dhoni said.“To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever.”GRAEME SMITHTests: 117 – 9,265 runs @ 48.25, 8 wicketsODIs: 197 – 6,989 runs @ 37.98, 18 wicketsT20Is: 33 – 982 runs @ 31.67One of the most successful Test captains in history, Graeme Smith led from the front as a gritty opening batter.Thrust into leadership at age 22, Smith flourished in the role and became a key figure in South Africa’s rise to the No. 1 Test ranking.“It feels amazing to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame alongside some legendary cricketers, all of whom have made significant contributions to the game in their own way,” he said.“This is also a proud moment for South Africa, as two of us have got recognition this year.”Daniel VettoriTests: 113 – 4,531 runs @ 30.00, 362 wicketsODIs: 295 – 2,253 runs @ 17.33, 305 wicketsT20Is: 34 – 205 runs @ 12.81, 38 wicketsA world-class left-arm spinner and handy lower-order batter, Daniel Vettori had an illustrious career.He was one of just three players to score 4,000+ Test runs and take 300+ wickets. Vettori captained New Zealand and now serves as Australia’s assistant coach.“Looking at the past inductees… one can see the outstanding talent and contribution they made to the game,” he said.“To gain recognition alongside them is simply overwhelming and I can’t find words to describe the feeling.”Healthy mirODIs: 120 – 1,630 runs @ 17.91, 151 wicketsT20Is: 106 – 802 runs @ 14.07, 89 wicketsA trailblazer for Pakistan women’s cricket, Sana Mir becomes the first woman from her country to join the Hall of Fame.Beyond her on-field achievements, she’s known for advocating body positivity, mental health, and pandemic relief work.“From dreaming as a little girl that one day there would even be a women’s team in our country to now standing here… this is a moment I couldn’t have dared to imagine,” she said.“I am incredibly grateful for this honour… and thank my teammates, coaches and family for all their support over the years.”SARAH TAYLORTests: 10 – 300 runs @ 18.75, 20 dismissalsODIs: 126 – 4,056 runs @ 38.26, 138 dismissalsT20Is: 90 – 2,177 runs @ 29.02, 74 dismissalsWidely considered one of the most gifted wicketkeepers in the women’s game, Sarah Taylor’s 14-year international career was filled with excellence behind the stumps and reliability with the bat.Taylor played a pivotal role in England’s World Cup wins in 2009 and 2017, delivering when it mattered most.“Being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame is one of the best moments of my life and truly feels like a dream come true,” Taylor said.“Women’s cricket has been thriving in recent years, and receiving this award during such a significant time makes it even more special.”
