Sourav Ganguly is set to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, adding another milestone to a career that reshaped Indian cricket as both a player and a leader. The official announcement is expected following the conclusion of the ICC Annual Conference on July 11, with the former India Captain poised to receive one of the game’s highest individual honours.
If confirmed, Ganguly will become the 12th Indian cricketer to enter the ICC Hall of Fame, joining an illustrious list that includes Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Anil Kumble, MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Bishan Singh Bedi, Vinoo Mankad, Diana Edulji and Neetu David.
A captain who reshaped Indian cricket
Few captains inherited more challenging circumstances than Ganguly, who took charge of India in 2000 following the match-fixing scandal that had shaken confidence in the national team. Over the next five years, he helped establish a more fearless and competitive side, backing young players and encouraging a generation that would go on to shape Indian cricket for years to come.
Under his leadership, India shared the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, reached the 2003 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final, secured a historic Test series victory in Pakistan in 2004 and famously ended Australia’s long winning streak in Kolkata in one of the most memorable Test victories in the country’s history. His captaincy also laid the foundation for the emergence of players including Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Mohammad Kaif and later MS Dhoni.
Reflecting on the culture he sought to build within the team, Ganguly once told Sportstar, “There were different men, different moments, but everyone stood up when it mattered. That’s what builds a great team. We weren’t just trying to win a Test or even a series. We were building character.”
A career defined by consistency and leadership
Beyond his impact as captain, Ganguly enjoyed one of the most accomplished playing careers in Indian cricket. Across 113 Test matches, he scored 7,212 runs at an average above 42, including 16 centuries and 35 half-centuries, while also claiming 32 wickets.
His influence in One-Day Internationals was equally significant, with 11,363 runs from 311 matches at an average above 41, including 22 centuries and 72 half-centuries, alongside 100 wickets. Widely recognised for his elegant strokeplay through the off side, Ganguly finished his international career with more than 18,500 runs across the two formats.
Lasting impact beyond the field
Following his retirement, Ganguly remained closely involved with the administration of the game, serving as the 39th BCCI President from 2019 to 2022 after previously leading the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). He has also continued his involvement in franchise cricket through coaching and advisory roles, and returned recently to take on the CAB role again.
The reported Hall of Fame recognition comes shortly after the unveiling of the first look of his upcoming biopic, Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story, with Rajkummar Rao portraying the former India Captain.
Ganguly acknowledges the reported honour
Ahead of the ICC’s expected formal announcement, Ganguly appeared to acknowledge the reported honour in a post on X.
He wrote, “Thank you ICC and Chairman Jay Shah @JayShah for inducting me in the Hall of Fame .. it’s a huge honour .. One of the 10 Indians to be inducted in the Hall of Fame ever .. Amazing to be a part of some great names .. @BCCI”
Thank you ICC and Chairman Jay shah @JayShah for inducting me in the hall of fame .. it’s a huge honour ..One of the 10 Indians to be inducted in the hall of fame ever .. Amazing to be a part of some great names .. @bcci
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) July 8, 2026
The ICC is expected to make the formal announcement following the conclusion of its Annual Conference on July 11, when Ganguly is set to join cricket’s most exclusive group of players recognised for their lasting contribution to the game.
