In a spectacular evening celebrating the world of cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) welcomed seven legendary figures into its esteemed Hall of Fame during a special event called “A Day with the Legends.” This memorable ceremony took place just hours before the highly anticipated World Test Championship Final at Lord’s and streamed live for fans around the globe to witness the tribute to cricket’s greatest. Among the honorees were five male icons— MS Dhoni, Matthew Hayden, Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Daniel Vettori along with two groundbreaking women cricketers, Sarah Taylor and the trailblazing Pakistan captain Sana Mir.

MS Dhoni, celebrated for his composed nature and strategic brilliance, was undoubtedly the star of the evening. With an impressive international career that includes 538 matches, 17,266 runs, and 829 dismissals, Dhoni stands out as the only captain in men’s cricket history to have led India to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2011), and Champions Trophy (2013). The ICC hailed him as a “trailblazer in the shorter formats,” highlighting his transformative influence on white-ball cricket.

Alongside Dhoni was Matthew Hayden, whose formidable batting skills earned him a spot among cricketing legends from around the world. South African icons Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla also joined the ranks of the greats, recognized for shaping South Africa’s modern cricketing legacy. Adding to the ceremony’s significance was the induction of Sana Mir, the first Pakistani woman to achieve this honor. Mir’s remarkable career boasts 150 ODI wickets and over 100 T20I wickets, along with her advocacy for women’s cricket, making her a pioneering figure in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.

The ceremony kicked off with ICC Chairman Jay Shah taking the stage, highlighting how the Hall of Fame plays a vital role in honoring those whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport. The event also included some lively discussions with captains Temba Bavuma and Pat Cummins, who shared their expert insights as we gear up for the much-anticipated Test Championship Final. With the Hall now celebrating 122 inductees since it started in 2009, including thirteen remarkable women, the 2025 edition truly showcased cricket’s lasting legacy and its ability to unite fans around the globe.