MS Dhoni, Matthew Hayden, and Graeme Smith Lead ICC Hall of Fame 2025 Class

London, England, June 10, 2025 – The International Cricket Council has unveiled its 2025 Hall of Fame inductees, a stellar group of seven cricket legends honored ahead of the World Test Championship final. With India’s MS Dhoni, Australia’s Matthew Hayden, and South Africa’s Graeme Smith at the forefront, this class celebrates game-changers who shaped cricket’s past and future. Here’s a look at the inductees and why this moment matters.

The 2025 Inductees

Seven icons earned the prestigious cap:

• MS Dhoni (India): Led India to three ICC titles—2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy.
• Matthew Hayden (Australia): Towering opener with 8,625 Test runs at 50.73, a two-time World Cup winner.
• Graeme Smith (South Africa): Gritty captain with 9,265 Test runs, guiding the Proteas to the No. 1 Test ranking.
• Hashim Amla (South Africa): Elegant batter with 9,282 Test runs and the first South African Test triple century.
• Daniel Vettori (New Zealand): Left-arm spinner with 362 Test wickets and 4,531 runs, a rare all-rounder.
• Sana Mir (Pakistan): Pioneering women’s captain with 1,630 ODI runs and 89 wickets for Pakistan.
• Sarah Taylor (England): Wicketkeeper-batter with 2,265 ODI runs, redefining women’s cricket.

Their careers left an indelible mark on the sport.

Why This Group Stands Out

This class is historic:

• Dhoni’s Milestone: The first Indian captain inducted just two years after retiring, a nod to his unmatched leadership.
• Hayden-Smith Era: Rivals in the 2000s, their bruising batting defined Test cricket’s golden age.
• Women’s Impact: With Mir and Taylor, two women inductees tie the record for gender balance in a single year.

The mix of captains, pioneers, and run-machines makes this group unique.

Numbers That Sealed Their Legacy

Their stats tell the story:

• Dhoni: 10,773 ODI runs at 50.57, plus 444 dismissals as a keeper across formats.
• Hayden: Scored 1,000 Test runs in 2001 faster than any batter that year, with 30 centuries.
• Smith: Captained 53 Tests, winning 29, a South African record for leadership success.
• Amla: 8,113 ODI runs at 49.46, including 27 centuries, a South African benchmark.
• Vettori: One of three players with 4,000+ Test runs and 300+ wickets, a rare double.
• Mir: Led Pakistan in 137 ODIs, with 2,030 runs and 151 wickets across formats.
• Taylor: 2,265 ODI runs at 37.75, with 147 dismissals, a women’s keeping record.

These figures cement their greatness.

The Ceremony

The induction was a grand affair:

• Date: June 9, 2025, on the eve of the WTC final buildup.
• Venue: Abbey Road Studios, London, a unique setting for cricket’s elite.
• Watch It: Streamed live on ICC.tv and JioCinema, with highlights on Star Sports.

The event drew fans and cricket royalty alike.

Fans and Experts Weigh In

The cricket world is buzzing:

• “Thala’s legacy lives forever,” fans posted on X, with #Dhoni trending globally.
• Ricky Ponting said on X, “Hayden’s power at the crease was unmatched—pure dominance.”
• AB de Villiers shared, “Smith’s courage as a leader inspired us all—well deserved.”

The tributes reflect their lasting impact.

Who Missed Out

Some names sparked debate:

• Virender Sehwag: His 8,586 Test runs and explosive style were overlooked again.
• Stuart Broad: With 604 Test wickets, he’s a likely pick for 2026.

Fans on X voiced frustration but expect future honors for these stars.