The three global icons form the Hall of Fame class of 2026 and were honoured at a ceremony in Edinburgh on Saturday.
For South African fans, Pietersen’s induction carries a unique connection. Born in Pietermaritzburg, he began his professional career with KwaZulu-Natal before moving to England and qualifying to represent his adopted country.
Pietersen made his international debut in 2004 and returned to the country of his birth during England’s tour of South Africa later that year.
He was met with a hostile reception from the local crowds but responded with one of the greatest performances by a visiting batter in an ODI series.
Pietersen scored 454 runs across six innings, including three centuries, and was named Player of the Series despite England suffering a 4-1 defeat.
That tour offered an early glimpse of the confidence and attacking strokeplay that would define his international career.
The right-hander went on to score 13,797 runs across all three formats and became one of England’s most influential modern batters.
His 158 against Australia at The Oval helped England regain the Ashes in 2005, while he was named Player of the Tournament when they won the 2010 T20 World Cup.
Pietersen also became only the third England batter to reach the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings.
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Ganguly’s induction recognises a 16-year career in which he scored more than 18,000 international runs.
The elegant left-hander made a century on his Test debut at Lord’s in 1996 before becoming one of India’s most important captains.
Ganguly led India to the 2003 World Cup final in South Africa and helped transform the side into a force away from home.
Chopra completes the three-member class after a pioneering 17-year international career.
The former India captain scored over 3,500 international runs and became the first Indian woman to reach 100 ODI appearances.
𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗔’𝗦 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗭𝗘𝗥 🙌
Dependable, tactical and a pioneer of women’s cricket in India, Anjum Chopra enters the ICC Hall of Fame 🎖️
More ➡️ https://t.co/PlG9VLk4nx pic.twitter.com/4llcRhqO7m
— ICC (@ICC) July 11, 2026
The trio join a prestigious list featuring South African greats such as Graeme Pollock, Allan Donald, Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Graeme Smith.
Photo: Tom Shaw/Getty Images
