Ganguly, Pietersen and Anjum Chopra inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
Kevin Pietersen and Anjum Chopra have joined Sourav Ganguly as the three new inductees into the ICC Hall of Fame. The development was confirmed on Saturday, three days after Ganguly announced his induction on social media on his 54th birthday.
Ganguly, the former India captain, enjoyed a stellar career of 113 Tests and 311 ODIs, amassing well over 18,000 runs across the two formats and picking up 132 wickets with his medium pace. The left-handed batter was also one of India's most successful captains, leading them to the final of the 2003 World Cup, a Test series win at home against Australia in 2001, and a series win in Pakistan in 2004. His 21 wins as captain were the most by an Indian in Tests until MS Dhoni and later Virat Kohli surpassed the mark.
"I am honoured to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. To have my name included among cricket's greatest players will remain one of my most cherished moments," Ganguly said.
One of the most flamboyant batters of his time, Pietersen made his ODI debut in 2004 before truly announcing himself in a stellar Ashes campaign in 2005 which England won 2-1. He represented England in 104 Tests, 136 ODIs and 37 T20Is, scoring close to 14,000 international runs. He played pivotal roles in England's triumphs at the 2010 T20 World Cup and the away Ashes series later that year.
Chopra, the former captain of the Indian women's team, was the first female player from the country to play 100 ODIs and score 1000 runs in the format. The left-handed batter played 127 ODIs, scoring 2458 runs, besides featuring in 12 Tests and 18 T20Is. She led India to their first overseas Test win in South Africa in 2002 and was part of the squad that reached the maiden ODI World Cup final in 2005.
"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," Chopra said.
The induction of Ganguly, Pietersen and Chopra has taken the total ICC Hall of Fame member count to 125.
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