The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally inducted MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain, into the ICC Hall of Fame for 2025. The announcement, made on June 9, 2025, also included the enshrinement of Australian legend Matthew Hayden, South Africa's Hashim Amla, Graeme Smith, Daniel Vettori and women cricketers Sarah Taylor and Sana Mir, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the sport. The induction ceremony was part of a special initiative by ICC called 'A Day with the Legends'.
MS Dhoni, celebrated for his calm demeanor under pressure, exceptional tactical acumen, and pioneering approach to the shorter formats of the game, has left an indelible mark on cricket. His legacy as one of the greatest finishers, leaders, and wicket-keepers is now permanently etched in the annals of the sport through this prestigious recognition. With 17,266 international runs, 829 dismissals, and 538 matches across all formats for India, Dhoni's statistics reflect not just excellence but also extraordinary consistency, fitness, and longevity. He is the 11th Indian cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
Dhoni reacted to the honor by expressing his gratitude. "It is an honor to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognizes the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world," he stated. "To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever."
The ICC's official statement underscored Dhoni's transformative impact on the game. "Celebrated for his calm under pressure and unmatched tactical nous, but also a trailblazer in the shorter formats, MS Dhoni's legacy as one of the game's greatest finishers, leaders and wicketkeepers has been honored with his induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame," the statement read.
Dhoni's international career, which spanned from December 2004 to July 2019, saw him represent India in 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is. His leadership is highlighted by India's triumphs in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy, making him the only captain to have won all three ICC men's white-ball titles.
Matthew Hayden, the imposing Australian opening batsman, is also among the 2025 inductees. Hayden was known for his aggressive approach and dominant strokeplay. His career spanned 16 years and included over 15,000 international runs. He was also a key member of the Australian teams that won the 2003 and 2007 ICC Cricket World Cups. In September 2021, Hayden was appointed as the Batting Coach of Pakistan for the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Hayden expressed his privilege at joining the Hall of Fame, stating, "The ICC Hall of Fame includes many of my heroes of yesteryear as well as contemporaries whom I admired and enjoyed competing against. Each of these players gave something to the game in their own way. It is incredible to be recognized along with them."
Hashim Amla, the South African batting maestro, joins Dhoni and Hayden in the 2025 class. Amla was known for his elegant strokeplay and prolific run-scoring across all formats of the game.
