Cricket
Most ODI World Cups Played by a Player in Cricket
Playing in multiple ODI World Cup tournaments is a testament to a cricketer’s longevity and talent. SportsBoom has listed players who featured in the most editions, including all-round legend Jacques Kallis.
Winning Captain's Press Conference - 2011 ICC World Cup/Getty Images
Representing one’s country in an international tournament is an achievement in its own right, with cricket being no exception.
A cricketer playing in a single ODI World Cup would need to have shown impressive skills with the bat or the ball - or even both.
Representing one’s country in multiple editions of the tournament is reserved for the best cricketers, the finest in the sport - the legends of the game.
Playing in two or more ODI World Cups at the highest level of cricket is also a testament to a player’s legacy and fitness level.
Two iconic players have featured in six editions of the 50-over tournament, and SportsBoom has looked at elite players on the list
List of Players with the Most ODI World Cups
| Player | Country | World Cups played | Years | Total matches | Key achievements |
| Javed Miandad | Pakistan | 6 | 1975, 1979, 1983, 1987, 1992, 1996 | 33 | Played in every edition from the inaugural tournament in 1975 until his retirement |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 6 | 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 | 45 | Played in the second-most total ODI World Cup matches |
| Imran Khan | Pakistan | 5 | 1975, 1979, 1983, 1987, 1992 | 28 | Scored a crucial 72 in the ‘92 World Cup and also claimed the final wicket |
| Arjuna Ranatunga | Sri Lanka | 5 | 1983, 1987, 1992, 1996, 1999 | 30 | Scored 241 in the 1996 World Cup at the highest average of 120.50 |
| Aravinda de Silva | Sri Lanka | 5 | 1987, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003 | 35 | Scored 100 and took 3 wickets in the 1996 World Cup final |
| Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 5 | 1987, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003 | 38 | Finished the 1992 World Cup with the most wickets - 18 |
| Inzamam-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 5 | 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007 | 35 | Scored 60 in the semi-final of the 1992 World Cup, which Pakistan went on to win |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 5 | 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007 | 38 | Was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1996 World Cup |
| Brian Lara | West Indies | 5 | 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007 | 34 | Led the West Indies to the semi-final of the 1996 World Cup |
| Shivnarine Chanderpaul | West Indies | 5 | 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 | 31 | Boasts an impressive average of 40.42 in World Cup tournaments |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 5 | 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 | 36 | Scored 485 runs at an average of above 80 in the 2007 World Cup |
| Muttiah Muralidaran | Sri Lanka | 5 | 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 | 40 | Claimed the second-most wickets in World Cups - 67 |
| Ricky Ponting | Australia | 5 | 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 | 46 | Played in the most World Cup matches - 46 |
| Thomas Odoyo | Kenya | 5 | 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 | 25 | Was a key player in Kenya’s 2003 World Cup semi-final journey |
| Steve Tikolo | Kenya | 5 | 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 | 28 | Claimed 21 wickets and scored 940 runs in World Cups |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 5 | 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 | 40 | Only player to score 100 in a World Cup semi-final and final |
| Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 5 | 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 | 27 | Was named Player of the Tournament at the 2007 World Cup |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | 5 | 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 | 35 | First player to score a double century in a World Cup tournament |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 5 | 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023 | 36 | Boasts a sterling average of 41.63 in World Cup tournaments |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 5 | 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023 | 38 | Became the third player from Bangladesh to score 100 at the 2019 World Cup |
Javed Miandad
The Pakistani legend and one of the best captains of Pakistan featured in 33 matches for his country across six ODI World Cup tournaments, scoring over 1,000 runs, including a century and eight half-centuries. Miandad is considered one of the greatest batsmen to hail from Pakistan, and his performances at the highest level are a testament to his skill and longevity.
- Javed Miandad featured in six ODI World Cups for Pakistan.
- He scored six half-centuries in the 1992 World Cup to guide Pakistan to the title.
- Miandad scored 1,083 runs in World Cups at an average of 43,32.
Sachin Tendulkar
The Little Master showcased his prolific batting skills in six World Cups for India, featuring in the second-most number of games in tournament history. While he could only captain his country to victory once, in 2011, Tendulkar scored the most runs in ODI World Cups - 2,278 at an impressive average of 56 with six centuries and 15 half-centuries.
- Sachin Tendulkar featured in six ODI World Cups for India
- He scored 2,278 runs, the most in tournament history
- Tendulkar’s highest score at a World Cup was 152 against Namibia in 2003
Imran Khan
As a player and a captain, much has been said about the ability of Imran Khan to inspire others. Amid multiple losses in the 1992 World Cup and with their hopes in tatters, he promoted himself up the order and mustered up one of the greatest resurgences in tournament history, including a match-winning 72 in the final - his final ODI game.
- Imran Khan played in five ODI World Cups for Pakistan
- He led Pakistan's famous 1992 World Cup win
- He reached 100 once and 50 four times
- Khan’s highest score in World Cups is an unbeaten 102, and his best figures are 4/37
Imran Khan after Winning 92 Worldcup Trophy
Arjuna Ranatunga
The Sri Lankan icon captained his national side for 11 years, standing at the forefront of their rise on the global stage. With his contribution of 88, Sri Lanka chased down 313 against Zimbabwe at the 1992 World Cup - the first time a score exceeding 300 had been beaten. Ranatunga was also captain when Sri Lanka won the 1996 World Cup.
- Arjuna Ranatunga featured in five ODI World Cups for Sri Lanka
- He has the most runs at World Cups without scoring a century - 969 in total
- Ranatunga had the highest average at the 1996 World Cup - 120,50
Aravinda de Silva
Known as one of the greatest ‘small batsmen’, Aravinda de Silva exemplified a never-give-up nature. In Sri Lanka’s 1996 ODI World Cup triumph, his score of 145 against Kenya was etched into the history books, alongside his 100 and three wickets in the final against Australia, earning him the Man of the Match honours.
- Aravinda de Silva competed in five ODI World Cups for Sri Lanka
- He is the only player to score a century and take three wickets in a World Cup final
- De Silva reached two centuries and six half-centuries at WC tournaments
Aravinda De Silva in action/Getty Images
Wasim Akram
Another key member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup success, Wasim Akram unleashed his devastating swing bowling to record the best figures in four out of eight group-stage games. He was also the pick of the bowlers in the semi-final and took three wickets in the final.
- Wasim Akram featured in five ODI World Cups for Pakistan
- He ended the 1992 World Cup as the leading wicket-taker with 18 dismissals
- Akram is joint-fifth for all-time World Cup wickets with 55 dismissals
Inzamam-ul-Haq
The Pakistani legend also featured prominently in his country’s 1992 World Cup winning campaign, including 60 runs in the semi-final and 42 in the final. His form at the tournament was not as consistent. Inzamam-ul-Haq claimed three Player of the Match awards - one in the 1992 edition and two in the 1999 edition.
- Inzamam-ul-Haq featured in five ODI World Cups for Pakistan
- His highest score in the tournament was 81 in 1999
- Inzamam-ul-Haq is also part of a dubious list of players with the most ducks at World Cups, sitting joint-third with four dismissals for no runs
Sanath Jayasuriya
An iconic all-rounder who formed part of Sri Lanka’s greatest generation, Sanath Jayasuriya also cultivated a respectable legacy in ODI World Cups. As that year’s Most Valuable Player, he was an important part of his country’s 1996 triumph. Jayasuriya also helped Sri Lanka reach the finals of the 2007 edition.
- Sanath Jayasuriya featured in five World Cup tournaments for Sri Lanka
- As captain, he led his country to the 2003 semi-finals
- Jayasuriya scored three 100s, six 50s, and took 27 wickets in World Cups
Brian Lara
One of the finest batsmen to ever heft the willow, Brian Lara is perhaps best known for his record-setting individual scores. In ODI World Cups, he holds a sterling pedigree for the West Indies despite being unable to inspire them to another title win.
- Brian Lara played in five ODI World Cups for the West Indies
- He scored an impressive 111 in the 1996 quarter-final win over South Africa
Lara scored 1,225 World Cup runs at an average of 42,24
West Indies cricket team captain Brian L/Getty Images
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
A left-hander known for his unusual front-facing batting style, Shivnarine Chanderpaul is considered underrated as a batsman. However, his top score of 102 not out in ODI World Cups speaks volumes about his abilities as a cricketer.
- Shivnarine Chanderpaul featured in five World Cups for the West Indies
- He scored a lone century and seven half-centuries in WC tournaments
- Chanderpaul scored 970 runs in World Cups at an average of 40,42
Players with the Most ODI World Cups: Did You Know?
Javed Miandad and Imran Khan both featured in the first-ever ODI World Cup in 1975
Conversely, Shakib al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim both featured in the most recent ODI World Cup in 2023
In addition to featuring in the most World Cups, Miandad and Tendulkar also played in the most consecutive tournaments (six each)
Mushfiqur Rahim is the youngest player to play in multiple ODI World Cups, entering the 2007 edition at 18 years and 197 days
Muttiah Muralidaran ended his international career with the second-most wickets at World Cups, claiming 68 dismissals - three behind Australian legend Glenn McGrath
Muralidaran is also fifth for the best average at World Cups (19,63) and is joint-fourth for the most wickets in a single World Cup tournament, claiming 23 dismissals in 2007
Mushfiqur Rahim ranks joint-fifth for the most dismissals as wicketkeeper with 33 and is joint-second for the most stumpings in tournament history with eight in total
Conclusion
Based on their respective contributions and long service for their countries at ODI World Cups, these legends have earned a special place in history.
Intriguingly, with these cricketers mostly retired from the ODI format or international cricket entirely, the new generation could soon be stepping forward.
Ahead of the next World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson is next in line to play in his fifth tournament.
Others, like England’s Joe Root, would be aiming for a fourth inclusion, while Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi will be looking at a third appearance at the event.
References
Cricket World Cup Records: Wikipedia, List of Cricket World Cup Records, Most tournaments: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Cricket_World_Cup_records Accessed Feb 22, 2025
Which player has played the most ODI World Cups?: The Cricket Lounge, Only 2 Cricketers Have Played In Six ODI World Cups: https://thecricketlounge.com/cricketers-have-played-in-six-odi-world-cups/ Accessed Feb 22, 2025
Javed Miandad ODI Statistics: ESPN cricinfo, Javed Miandad ODI Statistics, Series Averages: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/40879.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;template=results;trophy=12;type =allround;view=series Accessed Feb 22, 2025
SR Tendulkar ODI Statistics: ESPN cricinfo, SR Tendulkar ODI Statistics, Series Average: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/35320.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;template=results;trophy=12;type=allround;view=series Accessed Feb 22, 2025
Imran Khan ODI Statistics: ESPN cricinfo, Imran Khan ODI Statistics, Series Average: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/40560.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;template=results;trophy=12;type=allround;view=series Accessed Feb 22, 2025
A Ranatunga ODI Statistics: ESPN cricinfo, A Ranatunga ODI Statistics, Series Average: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/50244.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;template=results;trophy=12;type=allround;view=series Accessed Feb 22, 2025
PA de Silva ODI Statistics: ESPN cricinfo, PA de Silva ODI Statistics, Series Average: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/48462.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;template=results;trophy=12;type=allround;view=series Accessed Feb 22, 2025
Wasim Akram ODI Statistics: ESPN cricinfo, Wasim Akram ODI Statistics, Series Average: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/43547.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;template=results;trophy=12;type=allround;view=series Accessed Feb 22, 2025
Inzamam-ul-Haq ODI Statistics: ESPN cricinfo, Inzamam-ul-Haq ODI Statistics, Series Average: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/40570.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;template=results;trophy=12;type=allround;view=series Accessed Feb 22, 2025
ST Jayasuriya ODI Statistics: ESPN cricinfo, ST Jayasuriya ODI Statistics, Series Average: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/49209.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;template=results;trophy=12;type=allround;view=series Accessed Feb 22, 2025
BC Lara ODI Statistics: ESPN cricinfo, BC Lara ODI Statistics, Series Average: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/52337.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;template=results;trophy=12;type=allround;view=series Accessed Feb 22, 2025
S Chanderpaul ODI Statistics: ESPN cricinfo, S Chanderpaul ODI Statistics, Series Average: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/51469.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=start;template=results;trophy=12;type=allround;view=series Accessed Feb 22, 2025
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