ICC Hall of Fame 2025: Legends Enshrined in Cricket History
From the hallowed halls of Abbey Road Studios to cricket’s grand stage, the ICC Hall of Fame stands as the ultimate tribute to those who’ve shaped the sport across eras. This year, the induction of seven iconic members, including India’s MS Dhoni, raised eyebrows and hopes alike. But what exactly is the Hall of Fame? Which Indian greats are honored? And why does this matter to fans and cricket historians today?
Let’s explore.
A Brief History of the ICC Hall of Fame
The ICC Cricket Hall of Fame was launched in 2009 as part of the centenary celebrations of the International Cricket Council (founded in 1909). It was established in collaboration with the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) and initially included all 55 members of the International Cricket Hall of Fame, founded earlier by the MCC at Lord’s.
The idea was to formalize the global acknowledgment of cricketers’ contributions to the game across all nations and eras. Each year, a select few are inducted, with past legends, cricket boards, and journalists weighing in on the nominations.
The inductees receive a unique commemorative cap and plaque, but more importantly, their name becomes part of a timeless legacy preserved on the ICC’s official Hall of Fame roster.
What is ICC Hall of Fame?
The ICC Cricket Hall of Fame is a tribute to the legends whose contributions have shaped the game’s rich history. Formed in partnership with the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA), it brought together iconic figures from cricket’s past, including those honored in previous halls of fame.
To be eligible,
- players must have retired from international cricket for at least five years.
- Should have played international cricket at the highest level
- Nominated by a special panel comprising former players, cricket historians, and media professionals.
The inaugural inductees included icons like Sir Donald Bradman, Kapil Dev, and Shane Warne.
ICC Hall of Fame 2025 inductees: Seven Legends Inducted
On June 9, 2025, at London’s intimate Abbey Road Studios, history was honored once again with a star-studded induction ceremony. The 2025 class includes:
- MS Dhoni (India) – Explosive captain, legendary finisher
- Matthew Hayden (Australia) – Formidable opening batsman
- Hashim Amla (South Africa) – Elegance personified
- Graeme Smith (South Africa) – Resilient captain
- Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) – Classy left-arm spinner
- Sana Mir (Pakistan, women’s cricket) – Trailblazer for women in Pakistan
- Sarah Taylor (England, women’s cricket) – Revolutionary wicket-keeper batter
Notably, Dhoni became just the 11th Indian inductee into the Hall, joining elite names like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid to name a few. Explore full list of Indian cricketers below.
Let’s unpack the contributions of seven members inducted in June 9, 2025.
MS Dhoni: The Captain Cool Legacy
With 4,876 Test runs (avg 38), over 10,700 ODI runs (avg 50.57), and 1,617 T20I runs (avg 37.60), Dhoni was a triple-format force. He became captain in 2007 and led India to three major ICC trophies—2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy. An incredible batsman-finisher, he remains the only captain to conquer all three white-ball ICC titles. His signature helicopter shot and impeccable captaincy cemented his legacy.
Matthew Hayden: The Gentle Giant
Standing at 103 Tests with 8,625 runs (avg 50.73), 161 ODIs with 6,133 runs (avg 43.80), and 9 T20Is with 308 runs (avg 51.33), Hayden was a devastating opener. He once held the Test record with 380 runs in a single innings. His 30 Test centuries and heroic 2007 World Cup knocks were integral to Australia’s dominance under his belt.
Hashim Amla & Graeme Smith: South African Pillars
Hashim Amla, with 9,282 Test runs (avg 46.64), 8,113 ODI runs (avg 49.46), and a historic unbeaten 311 at The Oval, was the epitome of class and consistency.
Graeme Smith captained for an unparalleled 109 Tests and scored 6,989 ODI runs (avg 37.98). His grit steered South Africa to global acclaim.
Daniel Vettori: The Maestro of Left-Arm Spin
Vettori claimed 362 Test wickets and added 4,531 runs; in ODIs he picked 305 wickets and scored 2,253 runs. One of the few 4,000-run/300-wicket Test all-rounders, his 15-year career was sustained excellence.
Sana Mir & Sarah Taylor: Game-Changers for Women’s Cricket
Sana Mir was Pakistan’s first female inductee, with 151 ODI wickets and leadership during Asia Games gold campaigns.
Sarah Taylor, the English keeper-batter, dazzled with 4,056 ODI runs (avg 38.26), lightning stumping skills, and vital roles in England’s 2009/17 Women’s World Cup wins.
Together, they ushered in a progressive wave of female representation and success.
Why It Matters
The 2025 inductees come from six countries, across eras and roles—batsmen, spinners, explorers, and uncommon champions. Here’s why these six matter:
| Name | Role | Lasting Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | Finisher/Captain | Only captain to win all 3 white-ball ICC titles |
| Matthew Hayden | Opener | Inside-out cover drives, Test record 380 |
| Hashim Amla | Consistent Batter | First SA triple-century, sub-50 averages |
| Graeme Smith | Captain | 109 Test years, mental leadership |
| Daniel Vettori | Spinner/All-rounder | 4,000 Test runs & 300 wickets |
| Sana Mir | Spinner/Leader | Women’s cricket pioneer for Pakistan |
| Sarah Taylor | Keeper/Batter | Lightning stumping, World Cup hero |
Indian ICC Hall of Fame list
India, a nation of cricket fanatics and legendary performers, has seen only 11 players inducted into the Hall of Fame so far. Here’s the full list of Indian greats honored:
| Cricketer | Year Inducted | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Bishan Singh Bedi | 2009 | Legendary spinner and part of spin quartet |
| Kapil Dev | 2009 | 1983 World Cup-winning captain |
| Sunil Gavaskar | 2009 | First to 10,000 Test runs |
| Anil Kumble | 2015 | Third-highest wicket-taker in Tests |
| Rahul Dravid | 2018 | “The Wall” of Indian batting |
| Diana Edulji | 2019 | Women’s cricket icon and BCCI administrator |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 2019 | 100 international centuries |
| Neetu David | 2020 | Highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODIs (India) |
| Vinoo Mankad | 2021 | All-rounder and Test pioneer |
| Virender Sehwag | 2022 | Two Test triple-centuries |
| MS Dhoni | 2025 | Captain Cool, ICC white-ball treble |
Despite India’s illustrious cricket history, many fans argue this number is surprisingly low considering the contribution of Indian cricketers to global cricket.
Controversial Omissions from ICC Hall of Fame
No Hall of Fame is without controversy—and the ICC’s version is no different. Over the years, some iconic names have been shockingly omitted, sparking debates among fans, experts, and former players. Here are a few of the most notable names yet to be inducted, despite meeting all the eligibility criteria:
1. Sourav Ganguly (India)
- Why Ganguly Matters: 18,575 international runs across Tests and ODIs, including 38 centuries (22 in ODIs, 16 in Tests)
- Pioneering captaincy: led India to the 2002 joint Champions Trophy title and Test series wins abroad, including the 2003–04 series win in Australia.
- Rewired India’s batting ethos: Aggressive, fearless, and audacious—a legacy acknowledged by peers and pundits
- Frequently touted in media and fan discussions as a glaring omission
🤔 So Why Isn’t He in?
Ganguly meets all criteria: retired (2008), supported by previous inductees, and statistically as qualified as many who have been inducted. On forums like Reddit, fans argue:
“Why isn’t someone like Ganguly included… he played 400 matches and nearly 19,000 runs”
Despite his contributions, Ganguly’s name has not appeared in any official Hall of Fame class—making his absence one of cricket’s most persistent mysteries.
2. Yuvraj Singh (India)
- Why He Should Be In: Hero of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs. Famously hit six sixes in an over and was the 2011 Player of the Tournament.
- Why It’s Controversial: One of the biggest match-winners India ever produced, but still overlooked.
3. Zaheer Khan (India)
- Why He Should Be In: India’s pace spearhead across formats for over a decade. Played a key role in the 2011 World Cup win, topping the bowling charts.
- Why It’s Controversial: Other contemporaries with similar records are already inducted.
4. Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan)
- Why He Should Be In: Over 20,000 international runs. Match-winner and former captain.
- Why It’s Controversial: His name is often missing in discussions, despite outstanding stats.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 ICC Hall of Fame induction class is a celebration of cricket’s enduring legacy — uniting pioneers across generations, continents, and playing styles. From MS Dhoni’s calm leadership under pressure and Matthew Hayden’s power-hitting dominance, to Sana Mir’s revolutionary presence in women’s cricket and Ross Taylor’s quiet consistency, this diverse lineup reflects the very soul of the sport: resilience, brilliance, and evolution.
They’re reminded that this isn’t just a ceremonial honor — it’s a living archive of cricket’s greatest stories. Yet, the Hall’s true credibility also rests on who’s missing. The absence of Sourav Ganguly, one of India’s most influential captains and architects of modern Indian aggression, sparks questions. His omission, despite a career that changed Indian cricket’s mindset forever, highlights how subjectivity and timing still influence legacy.
In celebrating legends, we must also keep questioning who gets left out — and why. Because if cricket is a story of heroes, then it deserves to be told in full.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the ICC Hall of Fame?
A: The ICC Hall of Fame recognizes legendary players, inducted post-retirement (minimum 5 years). A recognition system launched in 2009 to honour cricketers for outstanding international careers.
Q2: What does it mean to be in the ICC Hall of Fame?
A: Induction means being acknowledged by legends, officials, and media for leaving a lasting impact on cricket, earning a permanent place in its history through ceremony and memorabilia.
Q3: Who are the Indian ICC Hall of Fame list?
A: Eleven Indians hold the honour: Bishan Singh Bedi, Sunil Gavaskar, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Vinoo Mankad, Kapil Dev, Diana Edulji, Neetu David and MS Dhoni — with Dhoni joining in 2025.
Q4: Who are the current Cricketers in the ICC Hall of Fame?
A: The Hall features 122 members from 2009‑2025, including legends—Bradman, Warne, Tendulkar, Sangakkara, Dhoni, Hayden, Amla, Smith, Vettori, Sarah Taylor, and Sana Mir.
Q5: Who were the 2025 inductees and why are they significant?
A: MS Dhoni (indian legend), Matthew Hayden (Test monster), Hashim Amla (classy batsman), Graeme Smith (resilient captain), Daniel Vettori (spin all‑rounder), Sana Mir & Sarah Taylor (trailblazers), chosen for game‑changing achievements.
Q6: What are some iconic records of ICC Hall of Fame 2025 inductees?
A:
- Matthew Hayden: Test record 380, 6,133 ODI runs (avg 50+)
- Hashim Amla: Test triple‑hundred (311*), avg 46
- MS Dhoni: Only captain to win T20 WC, ODI WC, CT; 10K+ ODI runs
- Daniel Vettori: 4,000+ Test runs & 362 wickets. See full records above.
Q7: What is the meaning of ‘Hall of Fame’?
A: It’s a symbolic “hall” honoring exceptional contributors to a field—originates from German Ruhmeshalle—bestowed upon those with extraordinary achievements.
Q8: How often does ICC add inductees?
A: Generally annually, adding 5–7 players. The 2025 class added seven, bringing total to 122.
Q9: Can women be inducted in ICC Hall of Fame?
A: Yes—Sana Mir (Pakistan) and Sarah Taylor (England) honor this year’s inclusions, demonstrating ICC’s commitment to recognize excellence in women’s cricket.
Q10: Who was the first woman player to be inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame?
A: Rachael Heyhoe Flint from England was the first woman to be inducted, in 2010.
Q11: How many women’s cricketers are in ICC hall of fame list as on 2025
A: As of 2025, there are 15 women’s cricketers who have been inducted in ICC hall of fame.
Q12. Who was the first player to get inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame?
A: The initial inductees in 2009 included Sir Donald Bradman, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Shane Warne, among others, forming the founding class. Bradman is often symbolically considered the “first.”