Five outstanding international cricketers have been inducted as Honorary Life Members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), in recognition of their exceptional contribution to the game. New Zealand greats Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, Australia’s Mel Jones, India’s Test mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara and Bangladesh’s former captain Tamim Iqbal were officially welcomed at Lord’s by MCC President Ed Smith and Chair Mark Nicholas.

Pujara’s selection reflects a remarkable red-ball career built on patience, discipline and resilience. The India batter featured in 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries to his name. He was a key figure in several of India’s famous overseas triumphs and finished his First-Class career with more than 21,000 runs.

Since stepping away from top-level cricket, the 37-year-old has moved smoothly into broadcasting, where his insight has been widely appreciated. Bates and Devine were honoured after closing their international careers following New Zealand’s group-stage exit at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

ALSO READ: Iceland Trolls Gautam Gambhir With Viral Post After India’s Defeat To Ireland

Bates retires as the leading run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals and leaves behind a glittering career that produced more than 10,000 runs across formats. Devine, one of the finest all-rounders of her generation, scored over 8,000 international runs and took more than 240 wickets. Her leadership was crowned by New Zealand’s 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup triumph.

Cheteshwar Pujara, Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates honoured with MCC Honorary Life Membershipshttps://t.co/7iMzjOTWDJ

— Nyambura20 $BEBS ARMY (@chewbackat20) June 29, 2026

Jones, a two-time Women’s World Cup winner and two-time Ashes champion, was central to the rise of Australia’s modern dominance. Her impact went far beyond the field, and she has since become one of the most respected voices in global cricket broadcasting.

WATCH – Ben Stokes Signs Off from Test Cricket With Emotional Farewell and Iconic Wicket

Tamim Iqbal completes the elite group. One of Bangladesh’s greatest-ever batters, he finishes as his country’s leading ODI run-scorer and second-highest Test run-getter, with more than 13,000 international runs across formats. Tamim also famously earned a place on the Lord’s Honours Board with a superb century against England in 2010. Having recently stepped into cricket administration, he has already made history as the youngest-ever president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

MCC chief executive and secretary Rob Lawson said the club was delighted to honour five cricketers whose dedication and impact on the sport have been immense.