ICC Honours Sourav Ganguly, Anjum Chopra, and Kevin Pietersen as Class of 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

Three iconic figures in international cricket – India's charismatic former captain Sourav Ganguly, pioneering India Women's leader Anjum Chopra, and England's dynamic batsman Kevin Pietersen – were today formally inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame as the Class of 2026. The esteemed ceremony marked a significant moment in the sport's history as these legends join an exclusive group of cricketing greats. England Whitewash India 4-0 in IND vs ENG 2026 T20Is; Harry Brook and Jos Buttler's Record-Stand Help Three Lions Clinch 5th T20I.

The induction elevates the total number of ICC Hall of Fame members to 125, honouring players whose remarkable achievements and enduring influence have profoundly shaped the game. Each inductee expressed profound gratitude, acknowledging the immense privilege of being recognised among cricket's most celebrated personalities.

A Trio of Illustrious Careers Honoured

Sourav Ganguly (India)

Born on July 8, 1972, Sourav Ganguly, aged 54, stands as one of India's most successful captains and is widely regarded as one of the greatest One-Day International (ODI) batsmen of all time. Known affectionately as 'Dada' and the 'Prince of Kolkata', Ganguly's aggressive leadership steered India to the final of the 2003 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and made them joint winners of the 2002 Champions Trophy. A prolific left-handed batsman, he notched up 22 ODI centuries during his illustrious career. His contributions were previously recognised with India's fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, in 2004.

Anjum Chopra (India)

Anjum Chopra, born on May 20, 1977, is 49 years old and a trailblazer for women's cricket in India. She holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to score 1,000 ODI runs and the first to play 100 One-Day Internationals. Chopra captained India to their historic first overseas Test victory in South Africa in 2002 and was instrumental in India reaching the 2005 Women's World Cup final. Her career spanned 12 Tests, 127 ODIs, and 18 T20Is. Off the field, she has been honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2007 and the Padma Shri in 2014 for her outstanding services to the sport.

Kevin Pietersen (England)

Kevin Pietersen, born on June 27, 1980, is 46 years old and an iconic figure in English cricket. The South Africa-born right-handed batsman represented England across all three formats between 2004 and 2014, leaving an indelible mark with his flamboyant style. Pietersen was a pivotal force in England's memorable 2005 Ashes triumph and was named Player of the Tournament when England lifted their maiden ICC Men's T20 World Cup trophy in 2010. His aggressive and innovative batting earned him a reputation as one of England's greatest ever batsmen. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Share a Laugh As Duo Begin Preparation For IND vs ENG ODI Series 2026 (Watch Video).

Eligibility and Recognition

The ICC Hall of Fame, launched in 2009 as part of the ICC's centenary celebrations, recognises former players who have retired from all forms of international cricket for at least five years. This year's inductees were chosen by a specialist voting academy, acknowledging their significant contributions and enduring legacies that continue to inspire future generations of cricketers worldwide. ICC Chairman Jay Shah extended his congratulations, highlighting the inductees as individuals who embodied the highest standards of excellence.

These inductions serve as a testament to the indelible impact Sourav Ganguly, Anjum Chopra, and Kevin Pietersen have had on cricket, cementing their places amongst the sport's most revered figures. Their careers, filled with exceptional performances and leadership, will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 11, 2026 11:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).