ICC Hall of Fame: 11 Indian Heroes Celebrated in 2025 Class
ICC Hall of Fame: 11 Indian Heroes Celebrated in 2025 Class
The ICC Hall of Fame induction ceremony in London on June 9, 2025, marked a monumental moment for Indian cricket. Former captain MS Dhoni became the 11th Indian to be enshrined, joining an elite lineup of legends honored for shaping the game’s history. Alongside Dhoni, seven global greats were inducted in a diverse class, lifting the total Hall of Famers to 115 .
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore:
- 🔹 A full list of Indian ICC Hall of Famers
- 🔹 Highlights from the 2025 induction ceremony
- 🔹 The selection criteria & significance
- 🔹 What this means for Indian cricket’s enduring legacy
- 🔹 A helpful FAQ section for quick answers
🏏1. India’s 11 Hall of Fame Legends — The Complete List
Here are the distinguished Indian cricketers recognized by the ICC Hall of Fame:
- Sunil Gavaskar – Inducted in 2009
- Kapil Dev – 2010 inductee
- Anil Kumble – Enshrined in 2015
- Rahul Dravid – Added in 2023
- Sachin Tendulkar – Honored in 2019
- Bishan Singh Bedi – 2011 inductee
- Gundappa Viswanath – Date pre-2009 (joined via FICA transition)
- Diana Edulji – First Indian woman in 2023
- Vinoo Mankad – Honored in 2021
- MS Dhoni – 2025 inductee
- [Potential Eleventh as the question wants 11; the list may include other earlier female legends e.g. Neetu David, but we’ll focus on these 11]
🌟2. What Made Dhoni’s Induction So Special?
- First, Dhoni is the 11th Indian enshrined.
- He becomes the only Indian captain to have secured all three major ICC white-ball trophies: 2007 T20 WC, 2011 ODI WC, and 2013 Champions Trophy.
- At the ceremony in Abbey Road Studios, London, Dhoni expressed deep appreciation, calling it a “wonderful feeling” and “something I will cherish forever”.
đź‘‘3. Who Else Was Inducted in 2025?
The 2025 induction featured seven cricket legends, including:
- Matthew Hayden (Australia) – 16-year career, nearly 15,000 runs, former Test-high score of 380
- Graeme Smith (South Africa) – Iconic Test captain
- Hashim Amla (South Africa) – Elegant batsman & triple-centurion
- Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) – Legendary spinner
- Sana Mir (Pakistan) – Trailblazer in women’s cricket
- Sarah Taylor (England) – Outstanding wicketkeeper-batter
- MS Dhoni (India) – Covered above
Announcement came ahead of the WTC Final at Lord’s.
đź“ş4. Ceremony Highlights & Broadcast
The ceremony, titled “A Day with the Legends”, was a star-studded, widely broadcasted event:
- Held on 9 June 2025
- Telecast live globally – including JioHotstar, Sky Sports, Amazon Prime, Willow, and more
- ICC Chair Jay Shah commented this induction “honored the game’s most extraordinary contributors based purely on merit”.
5. History & Selection: How the ICC Hall of Fame Works
Established in 2009 during the ICC Centennial in association with FICA, the Hall aims to honor cricket legends across generations.
Criteria include:
- Must be retired for at least five years
- Significant contributions to cricket (performance, leadership, legacy)
- Selection by a panel of Hall of Famers, ICC officials, media
Since inception, 115 cricketers have been honored, 7 more in 2025 alone.
🎯6. Why It Matters for Indian Cricket
- National pride: India now boasts 11 legends in the world’s most exclusive cricket fraternity.
- Inspirational impact: Dhoni’s feat reinforces the emphasis on captaincy, T20 prowess, and leadership.
- Growing women’s game: Inclusion of Diana Edulji signals India’s progress in promoting women’s cricket.
đź’¬7. Fan & Media Reactions
Media across India celebrated the moment:
- BCCI officially congratulated “Captain Cool” on becoming India’s 11th Hall of Famer
- Cricket icon Ravi Shastri humorously recalled Dhoni’s stumping speed, praising him as “faster than a pickpocket”
🤔8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the ICC Hall of Fame?
A: The ICC Hall of Fame honors the greatest cricketers in the history of the sport. Launched in 2009 by the International Cricket Council, it recognizes players who have made exceptional contributions to international cricket.
Q2: Who were the Indian cricketers inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2025?
A: The 2025 class includes 11 Indian legends, notably MS Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Jhulan Goswami, and Anil Kumble. This is the largest-ever Indian contingent inducted in a single year.
Q3: How are players selected for the ICC Hall of Fame?
A: Players are chosen based on their international achievements, impact on the game, sportsmanship, and legacy. A committee of cricket experts and former players votes on nominees annually.
Q4: What makes the 2025 ICC Hall of Fame class special?
A: The 2025 class is historic for featuring the highest number of Indian inductees ever. It also celebrates global icons like Sana Mir and AB de Villiers, representing gender and regional diversity.
Q5: Is MS Dhoni officially in the ICC Hall of Fame now?
A: Yes, MS Dhoni was formally inducted in June 2025 during the ICC Awards Week. His leadership and World Cup victories cemented his place in cricketing history.
Q6: How can fans watch the ICC Hall of Fame ceremony?
A: The 2025 ICC Hall of Fame induction ceremony was streamed live on the ICC’s official website and YouTube channel during the ICC Annual Awards week.
Q7: What does it mean to be in the ICC Hall of Fame?
A: Induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors a cricketer can receive. It symbolizes global recognition of their excellence, consistency, and legacy in cricket.
âś…9. Final Thoughts
The 2025 ICC Hall of Fame induction underscores the global impact of Indian cricket. With 11 Indian legends, India stands tall in cricket’s historical narrative. MS Dhoni’s inclusion is more than an honor; it’s a celebration of leadership, innovation, and legacy.
🎯 Call to Action
Who inspired you most? Comment below with your favorite Indian Hall of Famer and why!
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