The International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced on Saturday three new additions to the ICC Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 11, with former India captains Sourav Ganguly and Anjum Chopra, along with former England captain Kevin Pietersen, named among the latest inductees.
According to the global cricket body, the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame has recognised the outstanding achievements of some of the greatest players to have graced the game.
Ganguly-led India bagged epic Kolkata Test win
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has joined the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame list.
Ganguly, one of the most influential figures in Indian cricket, scored more than 18,000 international runs during his career. He was known for his stylish batting, especially on the off-side, along with his aggressive leadership qualities.
Known as Dada, Ganguly announced his arrival in international cricket with a Test century at Lord’s. He later formed a successful opening partnership with Sachin Tendulkar in limited-overs cricket, which played an important role in many Indian victories during the early 2000s.
One of the biggest moments of his captaincy came during the famous Kolkata Test against Australia in 2001, when India made a historic comeback after being asked to follow on. The victory remains one of the most memorable moments in Indian cricket history.
Ganguly also guided India to the final of the 2003 World Cup after eight consecutive wins in the tournament. Although India missed out on the title, his leadership helped build confidence among the next generation of cricketers.
“I am honoured to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. To have my name included among cricket's greatest players will remain one of my most cherished moments,” said Ganguly.
Anjum Chopra played key role in uplifting in women cricket in India
Former India women’s captain Anjum Chopra has also been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
A dependable batter and a pioneer of women’s cricket in India, Chopra played a key role in strengthening the foundation of the women’s game in the country.
She scored more than 3,500 international runs during a 17-year career and became the first Indian women’s cricketer to play 100 ODIs.
Chopra earned two Player of the Match awards during the 2000 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, where she served as vice-captain. She later took over the captaincy in 2002 and led India Women to their first overseas Test victory against South Africa.
Her consistency and determination helped India grow as a strong force in women’s cricket.
“I am thankful to all those who helped shape my career and delighted to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame,” Chopra said.
Pietersen proved his batting prowess across formats
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has also been included in the ICC Hall of Fame.
A powerful batter and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winner, Pietersen scored 13,797 international runs, averaging more than 40 in both ODI and Test cricket.
He played an important role in England’s success across formats and was named Player of the Tournament during the 2010 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which England won.
Pietersen was part of the ICC Test Team of the Year in 2007 and 2008 and the ODI Team of the Year in 2005, 2007 and 2009. He also became the third England batter to reach the top position in the ICC ODI batting rankings.
“It’s a great honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. To be recognised in this way and see my name beside so many of the game's greats is truly humbling,” said Pietersen.
ICC chairman congrats new inductees
ICC Chairman Jay Shah congratulated the three inductees and said their achievements represented the highest standards of excellence in cricket.
He said Sourav Ganguly, Anjum Chopra and Kevin Pietersen had led their national teams with pride and their place in the ICC Hall of Fame would ensure their achievements were celebrated for generations.
