Grace Hayden’s tribute as cricket great father Matthew inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Queensland cricket legend Matthew Hayden has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, and his daughter Grace delivered one of the most powerful tributes.

Matthew Hayden and daughter Grace. Picture: Adam Head

• Rise and rise of Grace Hayden

Grace Hayden has paid tribute to her cricket legend dad Matthew Hayden following his induction into the ICC Hall of Fame, describing him as a “big soft teddy bear” who always put family first.

In a touching Instagram post on Tuesday morning, Grace posted a photo of herself as a child being held by her dad on the cricket field, alongside a heartfelt caption reflecting on his legacy both on and off the pitch.

Grace Hayden being held by her Dad Matthew Hayden. Photo: Instagram.

“To say I’m proud would be an understatement,” she wrote. “It wasn’t an easy journey — countless setbacks and testing times — but you changed the way this great game was played. Dominating and intimidating any opposition you faced.”

“But the man I knew was just my Dad. The big soft teddy bear that gave every part of himself to his family.”

The post came just hours after the 53-year-old Queenslander was officially honoured in London, joining six other global cricket stars as the latest inductees into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame.

Hayden was recognised for a 16-year international career that saw him rack up nearly 15,000 runs across all formats, including 30 Test centuries and a record-breaking 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003.

Grace said her parents, Matthew and her mum Kellie, had always prioritised family.

“No matter what or where you were in the world dad I never felt you weren’t there for my special moments — the sports events, drama performances, in times I failed and needed a hand up — you both were there,” she wrote.

“Today is a very special day and I’m sorry I can’t be there to celebrate with you in London … but just know I’m so bloody proud of everything you’ve achieved but most of all that you are my dad.”

The Hall of Fame class of 2025 also includes MS Dhoni, Daniel Vettori, Hashim Amla, Graeme Smith, Sarah Taylor and Sana Mir.

Originally published as Grace Hayden’s tribute as cricket great father Matthew inducted into ICC Hall of Fame