Iconic India skipper MS Dhoni has been officially inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, becoming part of an elite group of international cricketing legends. The induction ceremony, which took place at the historic Abbey Road Studios in London, recognised seven players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Dhoni, who is the sole skipper to have won all three ICC white-ball competitions T20 World Cup (2007), the ODI World Cup (2011), and the Champions Trophy (2013), felt greatly relieved on being bestowed with the honour.

“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. To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever,” Dhoni said.

Dhoni Becomes Part of Cricket Legends in ICC Hall of Fame

With more than 17,000 overseas runs and records galore to his credit, Dhoni was the 11th Indian cricketer to find his place in the Hall of Fame. He is joining the list of only Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and others who have made their mark in Indian cricket history.

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Also inducted this year were South African greats Hashim Amla and Graeme Smith, former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, and women’s cricket pioneers Sana Mir of Pakistan and England’s Sarah Taylor. The selections were made by a voting panel consisting of existing Hall of Famers, ICC officials, and cricket media.

Dhoni’s playing career is packed with extraordinary stats:

• Tests: 4,876 runs, 256 catches, 38 stumpings
• ODIs: 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, 321 catches, 123 stumpings
• T20Is: 1,617 runs, 57 catches, 34 stumping

His calm leadership and match-winning abilities transformed Indian cricket. From topping the Test rankings in 2009 to lifting the World Cup with a famous six in 2011, Dhoni’s legacy remains unmatched. No cricketer has captained their country in more international matches. With this honour, Dhoni’s name is now etched alongside the game’s legends, forever a part of cricket’s golden history.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the newest members of the Hall of Fame, announcing seven legendary cricketers from past and current generations and formats. ICC Chair Jay Shah welcomed the new members to the Hall of Fame at a special ceremony in London, which was held at the iconic Abbey Road Studios.

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 are:

Matthew Hayden

A dominant figure in world cricket, Hayden played 103 Tests and scored 8,625 runs at an average of 50.73. He also featured in 161 ODIs, amassing 6,133 runs at an average of 43.80, and added 308 runs from nine T20Is.

Matthew Hayden was a dominant opening batsman who consistently beat the world's best bowlers. With 30 Test centuries and a greater than 50 average, his supremacy in red-ball cricket was evident. Just as devastating in ODIs, Hayden topped the run charts in the 2007 ICC World Cup with three hundreds. His contributions saw Australia win two World Cups in a golden period. After retirement, he became widely respected as a cricket commentator. His ICC Hall of Fame induction is a testament to his monumental contribution to the game.

"The ICC Hall of Fame includes many of my heroes of yesteryear as well as contemporaries whom I admired and enjoyed competing against," he said.

"Each of these players gave something to the game in their own way. It is incredible to be recognized along with them."

Hashim Amla

One of South Africa's most elegant and consistent batters, Amla accumulated 9,282 runs in 124 Tests and 8,113 in 181 ODIs, while maintaining an impressive 49.46 average in ODIs.

Hashim Amla exemplified elegance and reliability at the crease for South Africa. His beautiful cover drives and wristy flicks off the leg side were hallmarks of a productive career. He became the first South African to achieve a triple hundred in Tests and concluded with 55 overseas tons. Amla's consistency assisted South Africa in reaching the No. 1 Test ranking while he was on the side. He was just as impressive in ODIs, scoring freely in all conditions. His induction recognizes a player who added class and composure to all forms.

"It is an honor 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, all of whom have big achievements. Such recognition feels surreal, and I am really thankful."

MS Dhoni

India’s most successful white-ball captain, Dhoni played 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is, scoring over 17,000 international runs and effecting over 800 dismissals.

MS Dhoni’s cricket journey is defined by iconic finishes, tactical brilliance, and historic triumphs. He led India to three ICC titles: the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy. Known for his finishing abilities and calm demeanor, Dhoni mastered white-ball cricket with unmatched precision. His innovation behind the stumps set a new benchmark for wicketkeeping. From humble small-town roots to international fame, his legacy endures through generations. The ICC Hall of Fame now honors one of India's all-time great cricketers.

"It is an honor to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognizes the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world," he said.

 "To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever."

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Graeme Smith

Smith led South Africa with grit, scoring 9,265 runs in 117 Tests and nearly 7,000 in ODIs. He is remembered as a strong captain and a dependable top-order batter.

Graeme Smith was a dashing and forceful opening batsman who accepted leadership at the age of 22. He led South Africa in a golden period, with authority as well as sustained batting performances. Smith played key roles in big wins and series victories across the world. His resilient frame of mind and capacity for motivating teammates ensured him a position as one of the best leaders in the contemporary game. He struck well in excess of a hundred despite captaincy pressures, creating a lasting legacy. The Hall of Fame acknowledges his twin excellence as player and captain.

"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 gotten recognition this year."

Daniel Vettori

The former New Zealand captain played 113 Tests and picked up 362 wickets while scoring 4,531 runs. He also claimed 305 wickets in ODIs and 38 in T20Is.

Daniel Vettori added astute left-arm spin to composed captaincy and solid lower-order batting. He is still one of only a handful to reach the double of 4,000 runs and 300 Test wickets. As captain, he led New Zealand to famous landmarks such as a Champions Trophy final appearance. Vettori was a thinking cricketer at all times, beating batters with flight and variation. He still remains involved in the game even after retirement as a coach. His ICC Hall of Fame induction recognizes both his ability and cricketing awareness.

"Looking at the past inductees of the ICC Hall of Fame, one can see the outstanding talent and contribution they made to the growth and popularity of the game," Vettori said.

"To gain recognition alongside them is simply overwhelming, and I can’t find words to describe the feeling."

Sana Mir

Pakistan's pioneer in women’s cricket, Sana took 151 wickets in 120 ODIs and 89 in 106 T20Is, becoming the first Pakistani woman in the Hall of Fame.

Sana Mir pioneered and transformed women's cricket in Pakistan by skill and leadership. A true match-winner, she compiled more than 200 international wickets and was instrumental in winning numerous games. Away from the game, she advocated for issues such as mental well-being and body image and became an inspiration to many. Her impact went beyond statistics, with the contribution to increasing the profile of women's cricket in her homeland. She demonstrated resilience in establishing a path for future generations. Her Hall of Fame induction is a moment of pride and history for Pakistan.

"From dreaming as a little girl that one day there would even be a women’s team in our country to now standing here, inducted among the very legends I idolized long before I ever held a bat or a ball—this is a moment I couldn’t have dared to imagine," she said.

"I am incredibly grateful for this honor and hope to give back to the sport in any way I can. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my teammates, coaches, and family for all their support over the years."

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Sarah Taylor

England’s star wicketkeeper-batter scored over 6,000 international runs and was involved in more than 230 dismissals across formats. Her contributions in major tournaments are widely celebrated.

Sarah Taylor was one of England's best wicketkeepers and top-order batters with style. Her rapid glovework, particularly stumpings down the leg side, raised the bar for women's cricket. Taylor was central to England's World Cup victories in 2009 and 2017, producing vital displays in the knockout stages. She struck a balance between flair and calm, leading the next generation of cricketers with courage. Her career also served to destigmatize mental ill health in sport. The Hall of Fame rightly recognizes her enduring legacy on and off the pitch.

"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. I am grateful to the members of the ICC Hall of Fame selection panel for this recognition."

International Cricket Council (ICC) set to include 7 inductees into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame during a decorated ceremony in London which is set to be held on June 9. The names of the inductees are yet to be unveiled. The highly anticipated ceremony will be on screens across the world, so that all cricket lovers can witness the grand stage. 

After 2009, when the original list of hall fame was released, it'll be one of the most significant announcements. As per media reports, five men and two women inductees from 6 different countries are set to join the elite list. The event, which is named 'A Day with the Legends', will be telecasted live by various ICC broadcast partner networks. 

"Inducting legends into the ICC Hall of Fame is our way of honouring the game’s most extraordinary contributors. This accolade is reserved exclusively for those whose achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport, and each selection is made purely on merit", ICC chairman Jay Shah shared his views about the decision to include seven more names in the prestigious list. 

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"I am confident that fans across the globe will be thrilled to witness this special occasion, as we prepare to welcome seven new inductees into cricket’s most distinguished honour roll. With the event serving as the curtain-raiser to the ICC World Test Championship Final, there is much to celebrate and anticipate." 

Where to watch the ICC Hall of Fame event live?

India – JioHotstar

UK and Ireland – Sky Sports

New Zealand – Sky TV

Pakistan – Ten Sports and PTV

Sri Lanka – TV1 MTV (delayed)

MENA Region – Criclife and Starzplay

Caribbean – ESPN

USA and Canada – Willow

Afghanistan – Ariana TV

Singapore – Hub Sports 4

Australia – Amazon Prime Video

Sub-Saharan Africa – SuperSport

Rest of the World – icc.tv