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The ICC Hall of Fame is one of the most prestigious honours in cricket. Established by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in January 2009, in partnership with the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA), it aims to recognise the outstanding contributions of retired cricketers to the global game.
While cricket has been played for over a century, this initiative was launched to formally honour those whose achievements, leadership, influence, and sportsmanship have left a lasting legacy. The Hall of Fame includes both men’s and women’s cricketers, spanning all eras and playing nations.
The induction into the Hall of Fame is based on strict criteria:
- A player must be retired for at least five years
- It must have had a significant impact on the game
- Must be chosen by a special ICC voting academy, which includes cricket historians, former players, and journalists
Over the years, the Hall of Fame has grown to include many of the greatest names in cricket history. For India, these honours are not just a matter of individual pride but a recognition of the country’s growing stature in world cricket.
MS Dhoni Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame 2025
In June 2025, former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame during a special ceremony held in London at Abbey Road Studios. This milestone marked Dhoni’s official entry into the most elite club in cricket history and made him the 11th Indian cricketer to receive this prestigious recognition.
MS Dhoni’s Iconic Career Snapshot:
Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Dismissals |
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Test | 90 | 4,876 | 38.09 | 294 |
ODI | 350 | 10,773 | 50.57 | 444 |
T20I | 98 | 1,617 | 37.60 | 91 |
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Only captain in cricket history to win all three ICC white-ball tournaments:
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ICC T20 World Cup – 2007
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ICC ODI World Cup – 2011
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ICC Champions Trophy – 2013
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Known for the “helicopter shot”, lightning-fast stumpings, and unshakable composure under pressure
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Widely regarded as one of the best finishers and wicketkeeper-captains in the game
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Played a key role in grooming the next generation of Indian players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya
Dhoni’s induction is a celebration of leadership, innovation, and success. His cool-headed decisions, humility, and tactical brilliance make him a once-in-a-generation cricketer whose legacy goes far beyond statistics.
Full List of Indian Cricketers in the ICC Hall of Fame
India has produced several cricket legends who have not only won matches but also changed the way the game is played. Here’s a comprehensive list of all Indian cricketers inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, updated to 2025:
Cricketer | Year of Induction | Role |
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Sunil Gavaskar | 2009 | Opening Batsman |
Bishan Singh Bedi | 2009 | Left-arm Spinner |
Kapil Dev | 2009 | All-rounder, WC Winning Captain |
Anil Kumble | 2015 | Leg-spinner |
Rahul Dravid | 2018 | Top-order Batsman |
Sachin Tendulkar | 2019 | Iconic Batsman |
Vinoo Mankad | 2021 | All-rounder, 1950s legend |
Diana Edulji | 2023 | Women’s Cricket Pioneer |
Virender Sehwag | 2023 | Explosive Opener |
Neetu David | 2024 | Women’s Left-arm Spinner |
MS Dhoni | 2025 | Wicketkeeper, Captain |
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Diana Edulji and Neetu David represent the growing recognition of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage.
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The inclusion of players like Vinoo Mankad and Kapil Dev pays tribute to India’s earlier cricketing eras, which laid the foundation for today’s success.
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The most recent inductees – Sehwag, Neetu David, and MS Dhoni – showcase the transition to modern-day legends.
Why the ICC Hall of Fame Matters
The ICC Hall of Fame is not just a symbolic honour. It serves as a historical archive and educational inspiration for current and future generations. It reminds us of:
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The evolution of cricket
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The personal journeys of great players
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The importance of sportsmanship, innovation, and leadership
For Indian fans, each induction is a proud moment that cements India’s role in shaping world cricket. Players like Dhoni and Tendulkar continue to inspire youth globally.
Who Could Be Inducted Next?
With Indian cricket booming, these legends could join the Hall of Fame in the coming years:
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Yuvraj Singh – Hero of the 2007 T20 WC and the 2011 ODI WC
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Harbhajan Singh – Over 700 international wickets
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Gautam Gambhir – Match-winner in 2007 & 2011 finals
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Jhulan Goswami – One of the most successful women bowlers
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Virat Kohli (post-retirement) – Among the greatest modern batsmen
Conclusion
The ICC Hall of Fame celebrates cricket’s most influential figures. With MS Dhoni’s induction in 2025, India continues to etch its name deeper into the fabric of global cricket history. Dhoni’s legacy—as a World Cup-winning captain, a revolutionary wicketkeeper, and a role model—makes this honour a well-deserved tribute.
As more legends retire and leave their mark, the Hall of Fame will continue to grow, documenting the spirit, achievements, and legacy of cricket for generations to come.