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In a momentous celebration ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) inducted seven legendary players into the ICC Hall of Fame on June 9. This year’s class includes five male and two female cricketers, all of whom have left a lasting legacy in the game.

The players include MS Dhoni, Matthew Hayden, Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla and Sana Mir. 

The induction ceremony was part of a special initiative titled ‘A Day with the Legends’, broadcast live across ICC’s official media partners, allowing cricket fans worldwide to witness the occasion and honor the heroes of the sport.

A destructive opener who instilled fear in the opposition and became a two-time World Cup winner 🙌

Matthew Hayden enters the ICC Hall of Fame 🥇

More ➡️ https://t.co/FvQ2Vv5tk5 pic.twitter.com/YBUaVIzmdZ

— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2025

"Celebrated for his calm under pressure and unmatched tactical nous, but also a trailblazer in the shorter formats, MS Dhoni’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest finishers, leaders and wicketkeepers has been honoured with his induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame," the ICC said in a statement.

Unorthodox, unconventional and effective 🙌

A cricketer beyond numbers and statistics 👏

MS Dhoni is inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame 🥇

More ➡️ https://t.co/oV8mFaBfze pic.twitter.com/AGRzL0aP79

— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2025

What is ICC Hall of Fame?

The ICC Hall of Fame is among the sport’s highest accolades, created to recognize the most influential players in cricket’s rich history. Launched on January 2, 2009, in collaboration with the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA), it celebrates cricketers whose contributions have shaped the game across generations.

To be considered for the Hall of Fame:

Batters typically need to have scored at least 8,000 international runs, 20 centuries, or maintained a career average above 50.

Bowlers must have taken at least 200 wickets in either Test or ODI formats.

Players are only eligible five years after their retirement from international cricket.

Several Indian cricket icons have already been inducted, including: Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, Vinoo Mankad, Diana Edulji, Bishan Singh Bedi.

Interestingly, although Sachin Tendulkar retired in November 2013, he was inducted in July 2019—demonstrating the five-year eligibility rule in action.