Kevin Pietersen, Sourav Ganguly and Anjum Chopra inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Kevin Pietersen, Sourav Ganguly and Anjum Chopra have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, joining a distinguished list of legends. The trio was honoured at a ceremony in Edinburgh, taking the total number of Hall of Fame members to 125.

Kevin Pietersen

At 46, Pietersen’s career remains one of England’s most celebrated. He played 104 Tests, scoring 8,181 runs at an average of 47.28, including 23 centuries and 35 fifties. His brilliance was pivotal in England’s famous 2-1 Ashes triumph in 2004-05 at home.

Pietersen was equally impactful in white-ball cricket. In 136 ODIs, he amassed 4,440 runs at an average of 40.73 and a strike rate of 86.58, with nine centuries and 25 fifties. In 37 T20Is, he scored 1,176 runs at a strike rate of 141.51, registering seven fifties. He was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2010, guiding England to their first-ever ICC men’s World Cup title. 

Pietersen also captained England in 15 matches, winning five, losing seven, drawing one, and seeing two end with no result.

Reflecting on the honour, Pietersen said: “It is the highest recognition a cricketer can receive, and I know it will take some time for it to fully sink in. I feel privileged to have played across all three formats of the game, and I look back on my career with immense pride and satisfaction.”

Sourav Ganguly

Widely regarded as one of India’s most successful captains, Ganguly led the national side in 195 matches, winning 97 and losing 78, with 15 draws and five no results. Under his leadership, India became joint winners of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002 and finished runners-up at the 2003 ODI World Cup.

With the bat, Ganguly scored 7,212 runs in 113 Tests at an average of 42.17, including 16 centuries and 35 fifties. In ODIs, he accumulated 11,363 runs in 311 matches at an average of 41.02, with 22 centuries and 72 fifties.

On receiving the honour, Ganguly said: “To have my name included among cricket’s greatest players will remain one of my most cherished moments. Representing India and playing along with several greats of the game has been a privilege, and to now be recognised in this way is truly special. This game has given me a lot, and I hope to continue to serve the game in the years to come.”

Anjum Chopra

Anjum Chopra, now a respected broadcaster, continues to contribute to the game after her playing days. She was part of the commentary panel at the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England.

As a left-handed batter, Anjum scored 548 runs in 12 Tests at an average of 30.44, including four fifties. In ODIs, she racked up 2,856 runs in 127 matches at an average of 31.38, with one century and 18 fifties. In T20Is, she added 241 runs in 18 matches and also claimed 11 wickets. She had the honour of captaining India during her career.

Reflecting on her journey, Anjum said: “As a kid growing up in a sporting household, I had heard stories of cricketing greats and momentous achievements. A dream to play for India got instilled very early on. I was encouraged to think big by my parents, teachers and coaches who have always been there to support me during tough times. I also got the timely support of administrators as I went on to wear the national colours with great pride. This honour, to be recognised amongst the game’s greatest, is an award for all those who have helped shape my career.”