The record for the most World Cups played is held by an Indian cricketer, who participated in six tournaments from 1989 to 2011. This player won the tournament twice, cementing a legendary status in the sport’s history.
10. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011)
Former West Indian batting star Shivnarine Chanderpaul was one of the finest cricketers of his era. The left-handed batsman was remarkably consistent across formats, playing 31 matches and amassing 970 runs at an impressive average of 40.41. His record includes one century and seven half-centuries, reflecting his reliability at the crease.
9. Brain Lara (1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2007)
Brian Lara was one of the most consistent batters in ODI World Cup history, participating in five editions. He ranks as the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history, amassing 1,225 runs in 34 matches at an average of 42.24. Lara’s World Cup career included two centuries and seven half-centuries, with both of his hundreds coming against South Africa, solidifying his legacy as a World Cup great.
8. Sanath Jayasuriya (1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2007)
Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya pioneered an aggressive batting style, influencing future stars like Virender Sehwag, Adam Gilchrist, and Shahid Afridi. Jayasuriya ranks as the fourth-highest scorer in World Cup history, scoring 1,165 runs in 38 matches at an average of 34.26, including three centuries and six half-centuries. Additionally, he contributed as a handy bowler, claiming 27 wickets throughout his World Cup career.
7. Inzamam-ul-Haq (1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2007)
Former Pakistani skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq made his World Cup debut in 1992, helping Pakistan clinch their first title. He went on to participate in four more ODI World Cup editions, with his final appearance in 2007. A batting great of his generation, Inzamam played 35 World Cup matches, amassing 717 runs at an average of 23.90. Though his overall stats may seem modest, he delivered crucial innings during his World Cup career.
6. Sachin Tendulkar – 6 (1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011)
Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the greatest batter of all time, was the second cricketer to participate in six World Cup editions. He had a phenomenal career, becoming the only player to surpass 2000 runs in ODI World Cup history. In his final attempt, he lifted the World Cup in 2011. Tendulkar played 45 matches, scoring 2278 runs at an outstanding average of 56.75, including six centuries and 15 half-centuries, both records in World Cup cricket.
5. Wasim Akram (1987, 1992, 1996, 1999, and 2003)
Wasim Akram was instrumental in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup triumph, earning the Man of the Match award in the final for his brilliant all-round performance. A legendary fast bowler, Akram participated in five World Cup editions and became one of the highest wicket-takers in the tournament’s history. Across 38 matches, he claimed 55 wickets at an average of 23.83 and contributed 426 runs with the bat, solidifying his reputation as one of cricket’s finest all-rounders.
4. Aravinda de Silva (1987, 1992, 1996, 1999 and 2003)
Former Sri Lankan star Aravinda de Silva was a key figure in his nation’s cricket history, particularly remembered for his match-winning performances in the 1996 World Cup, where Sri Lanka claimed the title. He was named the Man of the Match in the final. De Silva was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup during his era, amassing 1064 runs in 35 World Cup matches at an average of 36.68, including two centuries and six half-centuries. He remains one of the few batters to surpass 1000 World Cup runs.
3. Arjuna Ranatunga (1983, 1987, 1992, 1996 and 1999)
Just like Imran Khan for Pakistan, Arjuna Ranatunga was the man who led Sri Lanka to their first and only ODI Cricket World Cup title in 1996. He inspired an entire generation of Sri Lankans to dream of a career in cricket. Ranatunga made his World Cup debut in 1983 and played his final edition in 1999. In 30 World Cup matches, he scored 969 runs at an impressive average of 46.14, including seven half-centuries. His leadership and vision transformed Sri Lankan cricket forever.
2. Imran Khan (1975, 1979, 1983, 1987 and 1992)
Pakistan’s only Cricket World Cup victory came under the leadership of Imran Khan. The legendary skipper was known for his match-winning impact. Imran played his first World Cup in 1975 as a teenager and famously led Pakistan to triumph in the 1992 World Cup, his last international tournament. Across 28 World Cup matches, he scored 665 runs at an average of 33.06, including one century and four half-centuries. Additionally, he claimed 34 wickets at an impressive average of 19.26, showcasing his all-round brilliance.
1. Javed Miandad – 6 (1975, 1979, 1983, 1987, 1992 and 1996)
Former Pakistani legend Javed Miandad is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s greatest cricketers, leaving an enduring legacy in the nation’s cricket history. He was the first, and one of only two players, to participate in six editions of the ODI Cricket World Cup between 1975 and 1996. Over the course of 33 World Cup matches, Miandad scored 1083 runs at an impressive average of 43.32, including one century and eight half-centuries, solidifying his place among cricket’s finest.
