![Sourav Ganguly and Kevin Pietersen [Source: AFP, x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1783792386033_Sourav_Ganguly_Kevin_Pietersen.jpg?type=hq)
Sourav Ganguly and Kevin Pietersen [Source: AFP, x]
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has added former India and England captains, Sourav Ganguly and Kevin Pietersen respectively, into its elusive ‘Hall of Fame’. Ganguly’s induction to the club was first reported earlier this week itself, before the ICC made the official announcement on Saturday, July 11.
The apex body also added another Indian cricketer, a certain former Women’s player to the prestigious club for her elite contribution towards the game.
Sourav Ganguly becomes 10th Indian to join Hall of Fame, expresses gratitude
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has been officially inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame by the apex council. One of the greatest ODI batters of all time, Ganguly also proved himself to be an influential leader for Team India, especially in Test cricket.
Expressing his gratitude for joining the illustrious club, Ganguly said “I am honoured to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. To have my name included among the 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.”
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It is worth noting that Sourav Ganguly has now become the tenth men’s cricketer from India to be bestowed with this prestigious honour. Previously, fellow legendary Indian players like MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Vinoo Mankad, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Bishen Singh Bedi were inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ by the ICC.
During his playing days, Ganguly aggregated over 11,000 runs in ODIs and another 7,212 runs in Tests. Under his leadership, Team India started securing historic Test victories away from home, which included the famous Adelaide heist in December 2003 and a rare series win in Pakistan in early 2004.
India also reached the final of the 2003 World Cup under Ganguly’s guidance in South Africa.
Kevin Pietersen joins league of ICC greats
The ICC also added former England captain and legendary batter Kevin Pietersen into its ‘Hall of Fame’. A recipient of multiple Ashes wins and a hero of England’s 2010 T20 World Cup triumph, Pietersen plundered close to 14,000 international runs across all formats with 32 hundreds and another 67 fifties.
Acknowledging the honour, Kevin Pietersen said “I would like to thank the ICC for this wonderful honour, as well as my family, teammates, coaches and everyone who supported me throughout my journey. This recognition is one I will cherish forever.”
ICC adds Anjum Chopra for historic honour
One of the pioneers of women’s cricket in India, Anjum Chopra was also rewarded with a place in the ICC Hall of Fame by the global governing body. The former Indian women’s captain minted over 3,500 runs across all formats, and reached the final of the 2005 Women’s World Cup in South Africa.
A ‘trailblazer’ for the women’s game in India, Anjum Chopra said “This honour - to be recognised amongst the game’s greatest - is an award for all those who have helped shape my career. I am thankful to all of them and delighted to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.”
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