Patiala, 10 June (Shahi)
The ICC revealed seven new inductees into the ICC Hall of Fame on Monday, honoring a distinguished lineup of former cricketing icons at a gala at Abbey Road Studios in London. ICC Chair Jay Shah welcomed them, saying, “The ICC Hall of Fame celebrates the greatest players whose careers have defined cricket’s legacy and inspired generations. This year, we proudly induct seven exceptional individuals. On behalf of the ICC, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and hope they treasure this recognition as a career highlight.”
watch…..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRdzrd7XcOw
Inductees:
Matthew Hayden
- 103 Tests: 8,625 runs (avg. 50.73)
- 161 ODIs: 6,133 runs (avg. 43.80)
- 9 T20Is: 308 runs (avg. 51.33)
A dominant opener who challenged the world’s best fast bowlers, Hayden enters with 30 Test centuries and a Test average above 50. His three centuries at the 2007 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, leading run-scoring, helped Australia win a second title. Now a global commentator, he said, “It’s incredible to join my heroes and rivals in the Hall of Fame, each contributing uniquely to the game.”
Hashim Amla
- 124 Tests: 9,282 runs (avg. 46.64)
- 181 ODIs: 8,113 runs (avg. 49.46)
- 44 T20Is: 1,277 runs (avg. 33.60)
A composed top-order batter, Amla excelled in Tests and dominated ODIs, scoring against all teams. His unbeaten 311* against England in 2012 made him South Africa’s first triple centurion, with 55 centuries. Honored alongside Graeme Smith, he said, “It’s surreal to be among cricket’s greatest achievers.”
MS Dhoni
- 90 Tests: 4,876 runs (avg. 38.08), 294 dismissals
- 350 ODIs: 10,773 runs (avg. 50.57), 444 dismissals
- 98 T20Is: 1,617 runs (avg. 37.60), 91 dismissals
Known for his 2011 World Cup-winning helicopter shot, Dhoni’s innovative keeping and captaincy led India to the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy. He said, “It’s a thrill to be recognized with global legends, a memory I’ll cherish forever.”
Graeme Smith
- 117 Tests: 9,265 runs (avg. 48.25), 8 wickets
- 197 ODIs: 6,989 runs (avg. 37.98), 18 wickets
- 33 T20Is: 982 runs (avg. 31.67)
A resilient opener and captain from age 22, Smith elevated South Africa’s standards. He expressed pride, saying, “It’s amazing to join legends, a proud moment for South Africa with two inductees.”
Daniel Vettori
- 113 Tests: 4,531 runs (avg. 30.00), 362 wickets
- 295 ODIs: 2,253 runs (avg. 17.33), 305 wickets
- 34 T20Is: 205 runs (avg. 12.81), 38 wickets
A skilled left-arm spinner and lower-order batter, Vettori, one of three to score 4,000 runs and take 300 Test wickets, captained New Zealand to the 2009 Champions Trophy final. Now an Australian coach, he said, “Being alongside past inductees is overwhelming.”
Sana Mir
- 120 ODIs: 1,630 runs (avg. 17.91), 151 wickets
- 106 T20Is: 802 runs (avg. 14.07), 89 wickets
Pakistan’s first female inductee, Mir took over 200 wickets and advocated for mental health. She said, “From dreaming of a women’s team to this honor, I’m grateful and eager to contribute back.”
Sarah Taylor
- 10 Tests: 300 runs (avg. 18.75), 20 dismissals
- 126 ODIs: 4,056 runs (avg. 38.26), 138 dismissals
- 90 T20Is: 2,177 runs (avg. 29.02), 74 dismissals
England’s wicketkeeping star, Taylor helped win the 2009 World Cup double and shone in 2017. She called it a dream, saying, “This award during women’s cricket’s growth makes it extra special.”
