The International Cricket Council (ICC) inducted seven legends of the cricketing world into the Hall of Fame for the class of 2025 on June 9. There were five men’s cricketers and two women cricketers inducted.
The ceremony began with Australia’s Matthew Hayden being revealed to be the first induction of the evening. Having made his debut in 1994 for Australia, Hayden only flourished in his second chance in 2001 and went on to dominate the bowlers till 2008 across formats.
He was part of Australia’s 2003 and 2007 World Cup wins and also broke Brian Lara’s Test record score of 375*, scoring 380* against Zimbabwe in 2003. He played 103 Tests, scoring 8625 runs with 30 centuries and 29 fifties at an average of 50.73.
In 161 ODIs, Hayden made 6133 runs at an average of 43.80 with 10 centuries and a best score of 181*. He also played 9 T20Is, scoring 308 runs with 4 fifties.
"The ICC Hall of Fame includes many of my heroes of yesteryear as well as contemporaries whom I admired and enjoyed competing against. Each of these players gave something to the game in their own way. It is incredible to be recognized along with them,” Hayden told ICC.
India’s MS Dhoni was the next inductee into the ICC Hall of Fame. The T20 World Cup, World Cup, and Champions Trophy-winning captain made his India debut in 2004 and retired from the game in 2019.
MS Dhoni played 90 Tests, scoring 4876 runs with 6 centuries at an average of 38.09. His highest score was 224. In 350 ODIs, MS Dhoni made 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, with a best of 183*. He hit 10 centuries and 73 fifties.
In the T20Is, Dhoni made 1617 runs in 98 matches at a strike rate of 126.13 and made 2 fifties.
"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. To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever,” MS Dhoni said.
Next to be inducted was South Africa’s brilliant batter Hashim Amla. The only Proteas batter to score a Test triple century was classy and had shots for all three formats. Amla played for South Africa from 2004 to 2019. He made 9282 runs in 124 Tests with the best of 311* and 28 centuries. Amla played 181 ODIs, scoring 8113 runs with 27 centuries and a best of 159. In 44 T20Is, Amla made 1277 runs with 97* as his best.
"It is an honor to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, especially alongside Graeme. 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,” Amla said.
South Africa’s mercurial captain Graeme Smith was the next inductee. He is the only captain to lead his side in over 100 Tests. Smith played 117 Tests, 197 ODIs, and 33 T20Is, scoring 9265, 6989, and 982 runs. He scored a total of 37 centuries with the best test of 277.
“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. This is also a proud moment for South Africa, as two of us have gotten recognition this year,” Smith said.
New Zealand’s youngest Test debutant, Daniel Vettori, was inducted next. Vettori was one of just three players to score 4,000 runs with 6 centuries and take 300 wickets in Test cricket. He made 4531 runs in 113 tests and took 362 wickets. He took 305 ODI wickets in 295 games and made 2253 runs.
“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. To gain recognition alongside them is simply overwhelming, and I can’t find words to describe the feeling,” Vettori stated.
Pakistan’s Sana Mir was next with 1630 runs and 151 wickets in 120 ODIs and 802 runs and 89 wickets in 160 T20Is. She also captained Pakistan in both formats.
“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. 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,” Mir said.
The final induction was of England’s Sarah Taylor, known for electric work behind the stumps. She also made 4056 runs in 126 ODIs with 138 dismissals and 2177 runs in 90 T20Is with 74 dismissals. Taylor also played 10 tests, scoring 300 runs and making 20 dismissals.
"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. 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,” Taylor said.
(ICC inputs)
