ICC Hall of Fame 2026: Ganguly, Anjum Chopra and Pietersen inducted
Synopsis
Three cricket legends — Sourav Ganguly, Anjum Chopra, and Kevin Pietersen — joined the ICC Hall of Fame as the Class of 2026, taking the membership to 125. ICC chairman Jay Shah hailed the induction as a 'richly deserved honour,' with Anjum Chopra's inclusion marking a milestone for women's cricket in the sport's most prestigious historical roll.
Key Takeaways
Sourav Ganguly , Anjum Chopra , and Kevin Pietersen were inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on 11 July 2026 as the Class of 2026.
ICC chairman Jay Shah congratulated the trio on 12 July 2026 , calling the honour 'richly deserved.' The three inductees bring the total number of ICC Hall of Fame members to 125 .
The ICC Hall of Fame was established in January 2009 during the ICC's centenary celebrations.
Players must be retired from international cricket for at least five years to be eligible for induction.
ICC chairman Jay Shah on 12 July 2026 congratulated former India captains Sourav Ganguly and Anjum Chopra, along with England's explosive batter Kevin Pietersen, on their induction into the ICC Hall of Fame — an honour Shah described as 'richly deserved.' The three were officially announced as the Class of 2026 on Saturday, 11 July, bringing the total number of Hall of Fame members to 125.
Shah's Tribute on X
Shah took to social media platform X to mark the occasion. 'I am delighted to welcome the latest inductees into the @ICC Hall of Fame, a tribute to the extraordinary individuals whose achievements have contributed greatly to our sport,' he wrote. He added that Ganguly, Anjum Chopra, and Pietersen 'have all led their national teams with pride,' and extended his congratulations 'on behalf of the ICC for this richly deserved honour.'
The Class of 2026
Sourav Ganguly, one of India's most celebrated captains, is widely credited with transforming the Indian team's competitive identity in the early 2000s. Anjum Chopra is a pioneering figure in Indian women's cricket, having captained the national side and carved a path for future generations of women cricketers. Kevin Pietersen, England's power-hitting right-hander, was one of the most destructive batters of his era across all formats.
About the ICC Hall of Fame
The ICC Hall of Fame was launched in January 2009 as part of the ICC's centenary celebrations. It honours players whose achievements, skill, and lasting influence have shaped the game's history. Eligibility is restricted to those who have been retired from international cricket for at least five years, ensuring the honour remains exclusive and retrospective. The trio's addition takes the cumulative roll of honour to 125 members.
What This Recognition Means
The induction of Anjum Chopra is particularly significant — it underscores the growing recognition of women's cricket within the ICC's institutional memory. Notably, this comes at a time when the women's game is expanding rapidly in viewership and investment globally. For Ganguly and Pietersen, the honour cements legacies that were already deeply embedded in the sport's folklore, now formalised in cricket's most prestigious historical record.
Point of View
However belatedly, building women's cricket into its canonical history rather than treating it as a parallel footnote. Ganguly and Pietersen were near-certainties given their stature, but Chopra's induction asks a harder question: how many other trailblazers from the women's game are still waiting? The Hall of Fame at 125 members remains skewed heavily male, and the pace of women's inclusions will be a quiet but telling metric of the ICC's stated commitment to the game's growth across genders.
NationPress
12 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2026?
Sourav Ganguly, Anjum Chopra, and Kevin Pietersen were inducted as the ICC Hall of Fame Class of 2026 on 11 July 2026. Their addition brought the total membership of the Hall of Fame to 125.
What did ICC chairman Jay Shah say about the inductions?
Jay Shah posted on X that he was 'delighted to welcome the latest inductees,' calling it 'a tribute to extraordinary individuals.' He said all three had 'led their national teams with pride' and congratulated them on behalf of the ICC for the 'richly deserved honour.'
When was the ICC Hall of Fame established?
The ICC Hall of Fame was launched in January 2009 as part of the ICC's centenary celebrations. It was created to honour former players whose achievements and influence have shaped the history of international cricket.
What are the eligibility criteria for the ICC Hall of Fame?
Players become eligible for ICC Hall of Fame induction only five years after their final international appearance. This rule ensures the honour is reserved for those whose contributions can be assessed with the full benefit of retrospect.
Why is Anjum Chopra's induction significant?
Anjum Chopra is one of India's most prominent women's cricket captains and a pioneering figure in the women's game. Her induction highlights the ICC's growing commitment to recognising women's cricket within its official historical record.
