By SRTeam On June 9, 2025, the ICC held a grand ceremony in London as part of its “A Day with the Legends” celebration, inducting seven cricketing legends into the ICC Hall of Fame. The timing was perfect—just two days ahead of the prestigious World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, adding emotional weight and spectacle to the event.
The Distinguished Inductees
This year’s class included five male and two female players, a testament to cricket’s rich history and the growing prominence of women’s cricket. Among them:
- MS Dhoni – India’s iconic captain and wicketkeeper-batsman
- Hashim Amla – South Africa’s elegant centurion
- Matthew Hayden – Australia’s powerful opener
- Graeme Smith – South African leader and opening batsman
- Daniel Vettori – New Zealand’s spin maestro
- Two legendary female cricketers (names not elaborated in provided sources)
Each inductee received a commemorative Hall of Fame cap—signifying their lifelong impact on.
MS Dhoni: A Trailblazer Honoured at Last
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, often named “Captain Cool”, was finally inducted in 2025, marking the earliest year he became eligible post-retirement in 2019—fulfilling the ICC’s five-year rule .
- Over a 16-year international career, Dhoni played 538 matches, notching 17,266 runs and effecting 829 dismissals with the gloves.
- His captaincy diamond-studded list includes: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy — a global white-ball trinity only he has claimed.
- The ICC praised his “calm under pressure, tactical nous, finishing prowess, and consistency”.
In the official ICC statement, Dhoni reflected with humility:
“It is an honour to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame… To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling—something I will cherish forever.”
Other Honourees: A Global Ensemble
- Hashim Amla is lauded for his calm, technically sound batting at the top, being a pillar for South Africa.
- Matthew Hayden’s explosive opening saw him rack up runs and intimidate bowlers.
- Graeme Smith stood out as a bold leader and prolific run-scorer for South Africa.
- Daniel Vettori’s taut left-arm spin shaped many New Zealand victories.
Ceremony & Broadcast Highlights
Dubbed “A Day with the Legends,” the event was globally broadcast via partner networks, including Jio Hotstar in India. ICC Chairman Jay Shah emphasised that the Hall of Fame’s mission was to acknowledge players whose careers made a truly lasting impact on the sport icc-cricket.com.
Why It Matters
The ceremony paved a poignant prologue to the WTC Final showdown between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s on June 11. Bringing modern legends together with the game’s future heroes, it celebrated cricket’s narrative arc—from its storied past to its competitive present.
In Closing
This year’s Hall of Fame class honours players whose brilliance transcended records and reshaped cricket. MS Dhoni’s induction, especially, closes a cherished loop—recognising a leader who brought hearts together with poise, diplomacy, and triumphs.
As the world prepares for a memorable WTC Final, these legends remind us of cricket’s unity, spirit, and enduring legacy.