Cricket captivates fans worldwide, with many players earning respect over decades. Some have had notably long careers, demonstrating exceptional skills and unwavering dedication. Let’s explore the longest careers in international cricket.
Rangana Herath (19y 48d)
The Sri Lankan great was one of the finest spinners the country has ever produced, often a first-choice player for the Asian giants. This left-arm off-spinner possessed exceptional wicket-taking ability, consistently delivering crucial breakthroughs for his team. He made his debut in September 1999 and played his final match in 2018 against England. While he was primarily dominant in Test cricket, he also had impactful performances in white-ball games, showcasing his versatility and skill.
Sean Williams* (19y 77d)
One of the most underrated players in cricket, Sean Williams is currently in his 20th year at the highest level. The left-handed batter is a skilled stroke player, particularly fond of playing the sweep against spinners. He ranks 9th in the list for most ODI matches for Zimbabwe and holds a similar position for overall appearances. Williams has not yet announced his retirement, so he could rise in the rankings before he hangs up his boots.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (21y 47d)
Shivnarine Chanderpaul made a name for himself in cricket due to his distinctive batting stance. Despite its unorthodox nature, he consistently dominated opposition bowlers, applying pressure with his performances. He is one of only two West Indies players with an international career spanning over twenty years. Chanderpaul’s legacy continues through his son, who is emerging as a promising talent for the West Indies, proving the ability to score runs in the family.
James Anderson* (21y 85d)
The only pacer to feature in this illustrious list is the legendary James Anderson. The England fast bowler has announced his retirement from international cricket following the first Test against the West Indies. Throughout his remarkable career, he became the first pacer to reach 700 Test wickets earlier this year. Anderson has excelled in nearly every country he has toured and was particularly effective in England’s swinging conditions. His accurate line and lengths consistently troubled batters, allowing him to take crucial wickets with ease.
Sanath Jayasuriya (21y 184d)
One of the most elegant batters in cricket, Sanath Jayasuriya consistently aimed to pile on runs against the opposition. Whenever he stepped onto the field, he sought to dominate and seize control of the match at every opportunity. ODIs were one of his favorite formats, and he played 441 games for Sri Lanka, the second-most in the country’s history. During his ODI career, he amassed an impressive 13,430 runs, showcasing his ability to consistently deliver for his team.
Shahid Afridi (21y 241d)
Shahid Afridi is arguably one of the best all-rounders ever produced by Pakistan. Known for his explosive power-hitting, he could change the game from any position. Afridi also made significant contributions with the ball, frequently taking wickets when needed. The batting all-rounder came out of retirement twice and was a respected captain for the Pakistan team in white-ball cricket, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Shoaib Malik (22y 37d)
The only other player from Pakistan on this list is Shoaib Malik, who would still be eager to dominate teams with the bat if given the chance. He was one of Pakistan’s most reliable batters during their golden era, accumulating a significant number of runs throughout his extensive white-ball career. Malik made his ODI debut for Pakistan in 1999 and played his last T20I in 2021. He currently participates in franchise tournaments worldwide and remains a key performer for his teams in these competitions.
Chris Gayle (22y 56d)
This list would be incomplete without the inclusion of the ‘Universe Boss,’ Chris Gayle. The tall left-handed opener was one of the best in world cricket for nearly two decades. He revolutionized his approach by attacking from the very first delivery, putting immense pressure on opposing teams. Bowlers often struggled to counter his powerful hitting. The West Indies star was a formidable force in all formats, leaving a lasting impact on the game. He made his final appearance in international cricket in 2021.
Collins Obuya (22y 221d)
Collins Obuya is one of the players with a long-spanning career who didn’t receive much recognition for his contributions. He first gained prominence during the 2003 ODI World Cup, showcasing his skill through effective variations as a leg-spinning all-rounder. Obuya enjoyed considerable success with the Kenya national team and was one of their most consistent performers throughout his career. He last represented his nation earlier this year during the African Games, highlighting his enduring commitment to the sport.
Sachin Tendulkar (24y 1d)
It’s fitting that the player with the longest international career is the legendary ‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar. Debuting at just 16 years old, he evolved into one of cricket’s greatest players. Throughout his career, he proved to be a formidable opponent for the finest bowling attacks, frequently delivering crucial performances for Team India when needed. Today, he is regarded as one of the all-time greats, with his numerous records serving as a testament to his extraordinary talent and impact on the game.
