ICC announces newest Hall of Fame inductees
Three global icons of world cricket were inducted into the 2026 class of ICC Hall of Fame.
The ICC introduced three additions to the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 11, with former India captains Sourav Ganguly, Anjum Chopra and England power-hitter Kevin Pietersen as the latest inductees.
The ICC Cricket Hall of Fame is an acknowledgement of the tremendous achievements of some of the greatest to have graced the game.
Full list of ICC Hall of Fame members
India's captain courageous Sourav Ganguly enters ICC Hall of Fame
A champion batter and a fearless leader, Sourav Ganguly is inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
Sourav Ganguly (India)
Former India skipper and one of the most significant figures in Indian cricket, Sourav Ganguly, joins the reputed list.
Having scored over 18,000 runs in international cricket, Ganguly was known for his flamboyant batting, especially on the off-side; his aggressive leadership skills and a captain who laid the foundation for India to become a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
Dada, as he is affectionately called, announced his entry into the world of cricket with a Test century at Lord’s. He later went on to open with the great Sachin Tendulkar in the limited-overs format, a partnership that was instrumental in many Indian victories in the early 2000s. One of the most iconic moments in Ganguly’s captaincy career would be the Kolkata 2001 Test against a powerful Australian team, wherein he declared the Indian innings after being made to follow-on. India went on to win the Test match, which to date remains a cult moment in Indian cricket history.
Ganguly also led India to the finals of the 2003 World Cup, with eight consecutive wins and despite the team missing out on a victory in the final, he managed to instil a lot of self-belief in the next-gen cricketers.
India's traiblazer Anjum Chopra takes her place in ICC Hall of Fame
Dependable, tactical and a pioneer of women’s cricket in India, Anjum Chopra enters the ICC Hall of Fame.
Anjum Chopra (India)
Another Indian captain to join the ICC Hall of Fame ranks this year is Anjum Chopra, who was a key figure in building a strong foundation for women’s cricket in India. Having been the first Indian women’s cricketer to be awarded an honorary life membership of the MCC in 2016, Chopra was one of India’s most reliable batters.
Having scored 3500 international runs in a career lasting 17 years, Chopra was also the first Indian women’s cricketer to be a part of 100 ODIs.
Chopra grabbed two Player of the Match awards in the 2000 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, where she was also the vice-captain of the side. She took over the captaincy in 2002, claiming India Women’s first-ever overseas Test win against South Africa.
Chopra’s consistency and determination to make India a significant force in the women’s cricket arena eventually bore fruit over time.
After being recognised with the award, Anjum Chopra said, “As a kid growing up in a sporting household, I had heard stories of cricketing greats and momentous achievements.
The ultimate rockstar, Kevin Pietersen is inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
Attacking, extravagant, a winner of multiple Ashes and a T20 World Cup, Kevin Pietersen takes his place in the ICC Hall of Fame.
Kevin Pietersen (England)
An ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winner and a powerful performer, Kevin Pietersen is the next inductee in the honourable ICC Hall of Fame list.
The swashbuckling English batter amassed 13,797 international runs, averaging over 40 in both ODI cricket (40.73) and Test cricket (47.28), while also playing a pivotal role in redefining the shortest format for England.
He was adjudged the player of the tournament in the 2010 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the same year England won the coveted trophy. Be it the shortest format or in red-ball cricket, Pietersen played attacking cricket, a quality that was crucial in many of England's victories across formats.
Having been a part of the ICC Test teams of the year in 2007 and 2008, and the ODI team of the year in 2005, 2007 and 2009, Pietersen also became only the third England batter to reach the No.1 position in the ICC ODI batter rankings.
Mr Jay Shah, ICC Chairman, said: "I am delighted to welcome the latest inductees into the ICC Hall of Fame, a tribute to the extraordinary individuals whose achievements have contributed greatly to our sport. This year's inductees represent the highest standards of excellence, and each one of them has earned the admiration of fans around the world.
"Sourav, Anjum and Kevin have all led their national teams with pride, and I would like to congratulate them on behalf of the ICC for this richly deserved honour.
"Their place in the ICC Hall of Fame ensures their achievements will be celebrated for generations to come, standing alongside the game's greatest figures.”