9 longest careers in international cricket across Tests, ODIs and T20Is combined – 20+ years for these modern-day mainstays
The career of an international cricketer tends to be short-lived.
Tours are long and they mean extended periods away from home. Injuries are a big factor, and of course, there is the small matter of form and performance to consider.
It’s one thing to burst onto the scene as a confident youngster, but to keep going, maintaining your standards and focus for decades at a time, is quite an achievement.
It is not something that’s frequently looked at, but it makes for interesting reading to crunch some numbers and see which players in the modern era have enjoyed the longest-lasting careers.
Here are the top nine cricketers who have defied the odds to enjoy remarkable longevity in the sport.
9. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies) – 21 years, 47 days
Debut: 17 March 1994, last match: 3 May 2015
A stalwart of West Indies cricket, Chanderpaul was known for his unique batting stance and incredible resilience at the crease. Certainly not the easiest on the eye to watch Chanderpaul was about grit and concentration more than elegant stroke-play.
Playing across three decades, he accumulated over 20,000 international runs and became a key figure for the West Indies. His ability to anchor an innings and his unwavering dedication to the sport ensured him a place in cricket history.
8. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 21 years, 184 days
Debut: 26 December 1989, last match: 28 June 2011
Now the coach of Sri Lanka, Jayasuriya is an enduring and likeable figure, synonymous with the Sri Lankan game. One of the most destructive opening batters in the history of the game, Jayasuriya revolutionized limited-overs cricket with his aggressive approach.
He played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup victory (where he opened with Romesh Kaluwitharana) and continued to dominate bowlers well into his late 30s, before finally retiring at the age of 41.
7. James Anderson (England) – 21 years, 210 days
Debut: 15 December 2002, last match: 12 July 2024
England’s most successful fast bowler, Anderson’s longevity in international cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary. Quick bowling is particularly hard on the body, which is why Anderson is the only paceman on this list.
Known for his impeccable swing bowling, Anderson was a key player for England in Test cricket well into his 40s. His dedication to fitness and skill development allowed him to sustain such a long career.
Also read: Most runs in career in ODIs – can anyone beat Sachin Tendulkar?
6. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 21 years, 241 days
Debut: 2 October 1996, last match: 31 May 2018
A fan favourite, Afridi was a true entertainer with both bat and ball. He announced himself to the world with a record-breaking 37-ball century early in his career and continued to play aggressive cricket for over two decades.
His ability to contribute across all formats and his leadership in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup win in 2009 cemented his legacy. Known as ‘Boom Boom’ for his audacious hitting, Afridi was also a useful bowler who ended his career with 395 ODI wickets and 8064 ODI runs.
5. Shoaib Malik (Pakistan) – 22 years, 37 days
Debut: 14 October 1999, last match: 20 November 2021
A versatile all-rounder, Shoaib Malik’s adaptability allowed him to remain relevant in Pakistan cricket for over two decades. Starting as an off-spinner before transitioning into a reliable middle-order batter, he played key roles in multiple ICC tournaments and continued to feature in franchise leagues worldwide even after retiring from international cricket.
He was a captain, a spinner, a nimble fielder, an opening batsman and a middle-order power hitter. Malik did almost everything at some point in his career – most recently he was part of the Stallions team that won Pakistan’s Champions T20 Cup in December 2024.
4. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 22 years, 56 days
Debut: 11 September 1999, last match: 6 November 2021
The self-proclaimed “Universe Boss,” Gayle is one of the most destructive batters in history. Known for his fearless approach, towering sixes, and flamboyant personality, Gayle enjoyed a long career across formats.
His contributions to West Indies cricket, including two T20 World Cup victories, have made him a legendary figure. Along with Donald Bradman, Virender Sehwag and Brian Lara he is one of just four players to have scored two Test triple tons. With 98 Test sixes to his credit, he is fourth on the list of most maximums in a Test career.
3. Collins Obuya (Kenya) – 22 years, 221 days
Debut: 15 August 2001, last match: 23 March 2024
Along with Steve Tikolo he is regarded as one of Kenya’s greatest cricketers. Collins Obuya first gained prominence in the 2003 Cricket World Cup, where he helped his team reach the semi-finals. His spell of five for 24 in the World Cup win over Sri Lanka in Nairobi is still one of the most outstanding performances in Kenyan cricket history.
His longevity in the game is remarkable, particularly given Kenya’s decline in international cricket. His ability to adapt from a leg-spinner to a middle-order batter allowed him to sustain such a lengthy career.
2. John Traicos (South Africa and Zimbabwe) – 23 years, 48 days
Debut: 5 February 1970, last match: 25 March 1993
John Traicos’ career is unique in cricket history as one of the handful of players to have represented two different nations. Having debuted for South Africa in 1970, his international career was put on hold due to the Proteas’ ban from sports due to the country’s Apartheid policies.
He later made a remarkable comeback with Zimbabwe in 1992, playing in the 1992 World Cup at the age of 45, making him one of the longest-serving cricketers in history.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 24 years, 1 day
Debut: 15 November 1989, last match: 16 November 2013
Depending on who you ask, the Little Master is arguably the greatest batter of all time. Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the longest international career in the modern era.
Making his debut at just 16, India‘s Tendulkar dominated world cricket for nearly a quarter of a century, setting records that may never be broken. With over 34,000 international runs, 100 centuries, and a World Cup victory in 2011, his career remains an inspiration to cricketers worldwide.