Cricket added three more iconic names to its list of immortals as the ICC Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was officially announced during a special ceremony in Edinburgh.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, former England batting superstar Kevin Pietersen, and former India women's captain Anjum Chopra have all been inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame. Their inclusion takes the total number of ICC Hall of Fame members to 125, celebrating players whose contributions have left a lasting mark on the sport.
Each of these legends transformed the game in their own unique way—Ganguly through fearless leadership, Pietersen with revolutionary stroke-making, and Anjum Chopra by paving the way for generations of women cricketers in India.
Sourav Ganguly – The Captain Who Changed Indian Cricket
Few captains have influenced Indian cricket as profoundly as Sourav Ganguly.
When Ganguly took charge in 2000, Indian cricket was rebuilding after one of its most difficult periods. He brought belief, aggression, and a fearless mindset that transformed India into a team capable of competing—and winning—anywhere in the world.
His leadership helped nurture a golden generation of cricketers and laid the foundation for India's rise as a global cricketing powerhouse.
Career Highlights
- Century on Test debut at Lord's.
- Formed one of the greatest ODI opening partnerships alongside Sachin Tendulkar.
- Led India to the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup Final.
Reflecting on the honour, Ganguly said:
To have my name included among cricket's greatest players will remain one of my most cherished moments.
Anjum Chopra – A Pioneer of Indian Women's Cricket
Long before women's cricket gained global recognition, Anjum Chopra was setting benchmarks for Indian cricket.
A graceful left-handed batter and an inspiring leader, Anjum played a vital role in elevating the women's game during an era when opportunities and visibility were far more limited.
Her achievements continue to inspire countless young cricketers across the country.
Career Highlights
- First Indian woman to score 1,000 ODI runs.
- First Indian woman to play 100 ODIs.
- Captained India to their first-ever overseas Test victory, against South Africa in 2002.
With this honour, Anjum becomes only the third Indian woman to enter the ICC Hall of Fame, joining Diana Edulji and Neetu David.
With Ganguly and Anjum's induction, India now has 10 men and 3 women in the ICC Hall of Fame.
Speaking after the announcement, she said:
As a kid growing up in a sporting household, I had heard stories of cricketing greats. This honour is a tribute to everyone who helped shape my journey.
Kevin Pietersen – England's Fearless Match-Winner
Few batters entertained fans quite like Kevin Pietersen.
Known for his fearless approach, innovative stroke play, and ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks, Pietersen changed perceptions of modern batting. His aggressive style inspired a new generation of players and made him one of England's most influential cricketers.
Career Highlights
- Played a pivotal role in England's unforgettable 2005 Ashes victory.
- Named Player of the Tournament as England won their maiden ICC men's global white-ball title at the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup.
Reacting to the recognition, Pietersen said:
It's a great honour. To be recognised alongside so many of the game's greatest players is truly humbling.
A Tribute from the ICC
ICC Chairman Jay Shah congratulated the three inductees, saying:
Sourav, Anjum and Kevin have all led their national teams with pride and inspired millions with their performances. Their place in the ICC Hall of Fame ensures their achievements will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
All Indian Inductees in the ICC Hall of Fame
Ganguly and Anjum join a select group of Indian cricketers to have earned this honour. Here's the complete list.
| Cricketer | Category / Style | Year Inducted |
|---|---|---|
| Sunil Gavaskar | Opening Batsman | 2009 |
| Bishan Singh Bedi | Left-arm Orthodox Spinner | 2009 |
| Kapil Dev | All-Rounder / Captain | 2009 |
| Anil Kumble | Leg-Spinner / Captain | 2015 |
| Rahul Dravid | Top-order Batsman / Captain | 2018 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | Batsman | 2019 |
| Vinoo Mankad | All-Rounder | 2021 |
| Diana Edulji | Left-arm Spinner (Women's Pioneer) | 2023 |
| Virender Sehwag | Opening Batsman | 2023 |
| Neetu David | Left-arm Spinner (Women's) | 2024 |
| MS Dhoni | Wicketkeeper-Batsman / Captain | 2025 |
| Sourav Ganguly | Left-hand Batsman / Captain | 2026 |
| Anjum Chopra | Left-hand Batsman / Captain (Women's) | 2026 |
A Legacy That Will Live Forever
Players become eligible for the ICC Hall of Fame only five years after their final international appearance, ensuring that the honour recognises careers that have stood the test of time.
The Class of 2026 perfectly reflects that philosophy.
Whether it's Sourav Ganguly's iconic Lord's balcony celebration, Anjum Chopra's pioneering achievements for Indian women's cricket, or Kevin Pietersen's fearless switch-hits and match-winning knocks, each of these legends has left an unforgettable imprint on the game.
Their careers inspired millions, and their induction into the ICC Hall of Fame ensures that their legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers and fans alike.
Class of 2026 at a Glance
| Inductee | International Runs | Signature Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Sourav Ganguly | 18,575 | Led India to the 2003 World Cup final |
| Anjum Chopra | 3,645 | First Indian woman to play 100 ODIs |
| Kevin Pietersen | 13,797 | Starred in England's 2005 Ashes win |
Key Takeaways
- Sourav Ganguly, Kevin Pietersen, and Anjum Chopra headline the ICC Hall of Fame Class of 2026, taking total members to 125
- Ganguly scored 18,575 international runs and led India to the 2003 World Cup final as captain
- Anjum Chopra becomes only the third Indian woman inducted, after Diana Edulji and Neetu David — India now has 10 men and 3 women in the Hall of Fame
- Kevin Pietersen scored 13,797 international runs and was Player of the Tournament at the 2010 T20 World Cup
- Players qualify for the Hall of Fame only five years after their final international appearance
💬 Who is your favourite among the three newest ICC Hall of Fame inductees?
Was it Ganguly's fearless captaincy, Anjum Chopra's trailblazing journey, or Kevin Pietersen's explosive batting?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation with Gameonfield.