Seven new inductees added to ICC Hall of Fame
ICC Chair Jay Shah welcomed the new members to the Hall of Fame at a gala event at Abbey Road Studios in London.
"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:
103 Tests – 8,625 runs at an average of 50.73
161 ODIs – 6,133 runs at an average of 43.80
9 T20Is – 308 runs at an average of 51.33
A powerful opening batter who intimidated the best fast bowlers in the world, Matthew Hayden joins an exclusive group in the ICC Hall of Fame .
With a whopping 30 Test centuries and Test average greater than 50, Hayden's outstanding numbers in the longest format speak for themselves.
The left-hander was just as adept in the 50-over game, with Hayden smashing three centuries alone at the 2007 edition of the ICC men's Cricket World Cup to finish the tournament as the leading run-scorer.
It was the second of two World Cup titles that Hayden helped Australia win and the burly opener has since turned into a highly respected commentator around the world.
Hayden was thrilled to receive the induction.
"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 recognised along with them."
Hashim Amla
124 Tests – 9,282 runs at an average of 46.64
181 ODIs – 8,113 runs at an average of 49.46
44 T20Is – 1,277 runs at an average of 33.60
A calm and composed top-order batter, South Africa's steady head Hashim Amla is a well deserved member of the ICC Hall of Fame .
Amla's overall record was top class in Test cricket and perhaps even more outstanding in the 50-over format as the underrated right-hander scored bulk runs against every opposition and in all conditions.
With a superb cover drive and a trademark leg-side flick, Amla was a mode of consistency and a reliable member of a powerful South African side that scaled the heights to become the No.1 ranked Test team during his long and distinguished career.
Amla dominated bowling attacks for much of his 15-year international career, becoming the first South African to score a triple century when he hit an unbeaten 311* against England in 2012 when he was at the top of his game.
A total of 55 international centuries shows exactly how good Amla was and the South African great is a welcome inductee into the ICC Hall of Fame.
The South African said it was a great honour to receive the recognition alongside former teammate Graeme Smith.
"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, all of whom have big achievements. Such recognition feels surreal, and I am really thankful."
The Master of Class | Hashim Amla | ICC Hall of Fame
90 Tests – 4,876 runs at an average of 38.08, 294 dismissals
350 ODIs – 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, 444 dismissals
98 T20Is – 1,617 runs at an average of 37.60, 91 dismissals
MS Dhoni produced so many highlights throughout his lengthy international career and is a popular inclusion into the ICC Hall of Fame.
His most memorable moment came when he produced one of his trademark helicopter shots when hitting the winning runs for India at the 2011 edition of the ICC Men's cricket World Cup, but there was so much more to the inspirational skipper.
Dhoni was ahead of his time with the way he kept wickets in all formats, but perhaps excelled most against the white-ball when he was well renowned for his ability to time a run chase to perfection in the dying overs.
The Indian great remains the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball tournaments, having led India to success at the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007, the 50-over World Cup in 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.
Dhoni said it was a great thrill to be inducted alongside so many great players.
"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," he said.
"To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever."
India's Captain Cool | MS Dhoni | ICC Hall of Fame
117 Tests – 9,265 runs at an average of 48.25, 8 wickets
197 ODIs – 6,989 runs at an average of 37.98, 18 wickets
33 T20Is – 982 runs at an average of 31.67
A superb opening batter and arguably an even better captain, Graeme Smith is a welcome addition to the ICC Hall of Fame .
Smith forged a great career as a tough and uncompromising top-order batter and was thrust into the captaincy role he relished at the young age of 22.
He excelled in this position in what was a high-class South African side and hit new heights as a batter while captaining the team.
Smith felt great pride in receiving induction into the Hall of Fame.
'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.'
Proteas' Relentless Leader | Graeme Smith | ICC Hall of Fame
graeme SMITH HALL OF FAME 1920X1080.mp4 (2025-06-09 13:36:12Z)
113 Tests – 4,531 runs at an average of 30.00, 362 wickets
295 ODIs – 2,253 runs at an average of 17.33, 305 wickets
34 T20Is – 205 runs at an average of 12.81, 38 wickets
An outstanding left-arm spin bowler, who was a more than handy middle to lower-order batter, Daniel Vettori joins the ICC Hall of Fame .
Vettori paved out an excellent career as a player and was one of just three players to score 4,000 runs and take 300 wickets in Test cricket.
He was also an excellent captain for the Black Caps, taking over from Stephen Fleming and leading the side to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2009.
Now an assistant coach with the Australian team, Vettori was in London to receive his Hall of Fame induction in person.
'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.'
New Zealand's Spin Maestro | Daniel Vettori | ICC Hall of Fame
Sana Mir
120 ODIs – 1,630 runs at an average of 17.91, 151 wickets
106 T20Is – 802 runs at an average of 14.07, 89 wickets
Sana Mir becomes the first Pakistan women to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame , following a superb international career.
With more than 200 international wickets against the white-ball, Mir is renowned for her work on the field and off the field.
Mir was well known for her strong stance on body shaming, prioritising mental health and helped people affected by the COVID pandemic and fulfils a childhood dream by joining the ICC Hall of Fame.
'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 idolised 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 honour 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.'
Pakistan's Trailblazer | Sana Mir | ICC Hall of Fame
10 Tests – 300 runs at an average of 18.75, 20 dismissals
126 ODIs – 4,056 runs at an average of 38.26, 138 dismissals
90 T20Is – 2,177 runs at an average of 29.02, 74 dismissals
One of the most talented female players in recent times, England's star keeper-batter Sarah Taylor joins the ICC Hall of Fame following a 14-year career at international level .
While Taylor was renowned for her sensational glovework behind the stumps and her trademark leg-side stumpings, she was also an extremely capable top-order batter and her record in big games gives further indication of this.
Taylor played a major role in helping England win the double of the ICC Women's cricket World Cup and ICC women's T20 World Cup in 2009 and then stepped up once again at the backend of the 2017 50-over World Cup triumph on home soil by top-scoring for her side in the semi-final victory over South Africa and then producing an equally important innings of 45 in the title decider with India.
Taylor said it was one of the biggest highlights of her career to receive induction into the Hall of Fame.
"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."
England's wicketkeeping pioneer | Sarah Taylor | ICC Hall of Fame
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Dubai Eye
2 hours ago
- Dubai Eye
South Africa level T20 series after Brevis ton flattens Australia
South Africa levelled the three-match Twenty20 series against Australia after Dewald Brevis smashed an unbeaten 125 off 56 balls to set up their emphatic 53-run victory in the second match in Darwin on Tuesday. Brevis smashed the highest score by a South African batsman in a T20 International to power the tourists to a commanding 218-7 despite a top order wobble at the Marrara Stadium. Australia were bundled out for 165 in 17.4 overs as their nine-match winning streak in the format came to an end. Player of the match Brevis said after being reminded of his record: "I haven't really thought of it like that, to be honest, but I'm just extremely grateful to God and it's been great. "You obviously want to win and come back stronger after the first game, so that was fantastic. "Everyone played their part, whatever it was. We took our catches, the guys nailed their plans, and it was just great." Put in to bat, South Africa began briskly but slumped to 57-3 inside seven overs with skipper Aiden Markram among the dismissed trio. Australia part-time spinner Glenn Maxwell, who opened the attack with Josh Hazlewood, had Markram (18) caught at mid-off and removed Lhuan-dre Pretorius (10) stumped in his next over. Brevis combined with Tristan Stubbs (31) and counter-attacked in spectacular fashion to prop up South Africa. The 22-year-old raced to a 41-ball hundred, his first in T20 Internationals, and remained unbeaten after a knock studded with eight sixes and 12 fours. Australia wobbled early in their reply, losing opener Travis Head to Markram's part-time spin in the second over. Teenaged left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka (3-57) conceded five fours in his first over but claimed the important wicket of Cameron Green and returned to remove Maxwell and Mitchell Owen. Tim David (50) hit his second half-century of the series but Australia kept losing wickets, which derailed their chase. The teams meet in Cairns on Saturday for the decider.


Gulf Today
9 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Pogba in race against time as French League season looms
Paul Pogba's return to Monaco this summer set tongues wagging as the 2018 World Cup winner made his comeback to football after nearly three seasons on the sidelines -- a turbulent period blighted by injury, blackmail and an 18-month doping ban. Now with the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season looming large, the former Manchester United star must put all that behind him and get to work if he is to light up Monaco's Stade Louis II and realise his 'dream' of winning back his spot in the France national team. 'It's the wish of every French football player to represent the France national team, but there are stages,' Pogba said during his unveiling at Monaco in July. 'Today I'm at stage one: coming back and performing well.' Pogba's words attracted attention for what he could still offer on the field, but it was his tears of joy that really grabbed the spotlight. Images of the 32-year-old weeping as he signed a two-year contract with Monaco went viral on social media -- thus setting the tone for a very different type of graft. The arrival of the midfielder at Monaco represented more than just the return of a star name of French football to Ligue 1, it was clearly a marketing opportunity too good to pass up. Pogba was sent straight to work. First, he joined Zinedine Zidane for a video produced by their mutual sponsor, which garnered huge attention. Then, he took a trip to Saint Tropez with American influencer Darren Watkins Junior, who has 40 million followers under the name IShowSpeed. After that, he and his wife, Zulay, launched their new high-end jewellery brand, accompanied by a suitable social media campaign. Named 'Unbreakable', the jewellery collection is a direct nod to Pogba's recent travails. He was the victim in March 2022 of an attempt to extort 13 million euros ($15.1 million) from him by relatives, including his brother Mathias who was sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, in 2024. Pogba was also injured for a long period and then suspended for 18 months after failing a drugs test while at Italian club Juventus in August 2023. 'High intensity': Since having his contract terminated by the Serie A outfit last November, Pogba had been living in the United States and training alone until Monaco came calling and offered him the chance to make his comeback. 'A lot of boxes were ticked: the conditions, the lifestyle, France, Ligue 1, the family, and of course the club,' explained Pogba, who will be playing club football in his home country for the first time in his professional career. Once back in a professional environment at Monaco, 'the easy part was just beginning' for Pogba. If the exquisitely gifted ball-player was less worried about getting his touch back, rediscovering the fitness and intensity of an elite athlete would be more challenging. A month later, Pogba has moved on to the second phase of his programme: individualised work on the pitch, often with the ball. 'I'm determined,' he said on his arrival. 'I want to get back on the pitch. But it will take as long as it takes.' 'Everything is going in the right direction,' Monaco general manager Thiago Scuro told AFP. 'He has started sessions on the pitch and is making progress. The timing is on track, the process is positive, with no red flags or setbacks so far.' Pogba's progress is been closely monitored by Monaco coach Adi Huetter, who so far is impressed by his commitment and how quickly he has integrated into a squad in which he is the elder statesman. For Scuro the key moment will be 'when (Pogba) is able to participate in all training sessions with the group'. 'The intensity, pressure and level are very high. He will have to be able to repeat this training load on a daily basis. We will then see how his body adapts.' Should all go to plan, Pogba could return to competition in the autumn -- perhaps even in time for the home match against fierce rivals Nice on Oct. 5. Agence France-Presse


ARN News Center
11 hours ago
- ARN News Center
South Africa level T20 series after Brevis ton flattens Australia
South Africa levelled the three-match Twenty20 series against Australia after Dewald Brevis smashed an unbeaten 125 off 56 balls to set up their emphatic 53-run victory in the second match in Darwin on Tuesday. Brevis smashed the highest score by a South African batsman in a T20 International to power the tourists to a commanding 218-7 despite a top order wobble at the Marrara Stadium. Australia were bundled out for 165 in 17.4 overs as their nine-match winning streak in the format came to an end. Player of the match Brevis said after being reminded of his record: "I haven't really thought of it like that, to be honest, but I'm just extremely grateful to God and it's been great. "You obviously want to win and come back stronger after the first game, so that was fantastic. "Everyone played their part, whatever it was. We took our catches, the guys nailed their plans, and it was just great." Put in to bat, South Africa began briskly but slumped to 57-3 inside seven overs with skipper Aiden Markram among the dismissed trio. Australia part-time spinner Glenn Maxwell, who opened the attack with Josh Hazlewood, had Markram (18) caught at mid-off and removed Lhuan-dre Pretorius (10) stumped in his next over. Brevis combined with Tristan Stubbs (31) and counter-attacked in spectacular fashion to prop up South Africa. The 22-year-old raced to a 41-ball hundred, his first in T20 Internationals, and remained unbeaten after a knock studded with eight sixes and 12 fours. Australia wobbled early in their reply, losing opener Travis Head to Markram's part-time spin in the second over. Teenaged left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka (3-57) conceded five fours in his first over but claimed the important wicket of Cameron Green and returned to remove Maxwell and Mitchell Owen. Tim David (50) hit his second half-century of the series but Australia kept losing wickets, which derailed their chase. The teams meet in Cairns on Saturday for the decider.