A constant feature at ICC tournaments representing a country is a sheer testament to world-class skill, longevity, and greatness by any player of international cricket. Some iconic players have turned up at these worldwide events multiple times, impacting the game long and deeply.
Here’s a look at the top four players with the most ICC tournament appearances across all formats.
Most ICC Tournaments Played by a Player
| Player | Team | Total ICC Tournaments | World Cup | Champions Trophy | World Twenty20 | World Test Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma * | India | 17 | 3 | 3* | 9 | 2 |
| Virat Kohli * | India | 16 | 4 | 4* | 6 | 2 |
| DPMD Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 16 | 5 | 6 | 5 | – |
| Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 16 | 5 | 5 | 6 | – |
| CH Gayle | West Indies | 16 | 5 | 4 | 7 | – |
| KC Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 15 | 4 | 6 | 5 | – |
| DL Vettori | New Zealand | 14 | 4 | 6 | 4 | – |
| JH Kallis | South Africa | 14 | 5 | 6 | 3 | – |
| SR Watson | Australia | 14 | 3 | 5 | 6 | – |
| ST Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 14 | 5 | 6 | 3 | – |
| Yuvraj Singh | India | 14 | 3 | 5 | 6 | – |
| MS Dhoni | India | 14 | 4 | 4 | 6 | – |
| BB McCullum | New Zealand | 13 | 4 | 4 | 5 | – |
| RT Ponting | Australia | 13 | 5 | 6 | 2 | – |
| TM Dilshan | Sri Lanka | 13 | 3 | 4 | 6 | – |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 13 | 3 | 4 | 6 | – |
1. Rohit Sharma (17 Tournaments – 3 World Cups, 3 Champions Trophies, 9 T20 World Cups, 2 World Test Championships)
Indian ODI opener and current captain Rohit Sharma has the highest participation in the most ICC tournaments, featuring in 17 global events. As a stalwart batter and on-field and off-field strategist, Rohit Sharma led Men in Blue to win the recent T20I World Cup 2024. Unstoppable as an elegant batter who covers the entire stadium while hitting shots, his stint as a captain for the World Test Championship 2021-23 propelled India to turn out as runner-up.
2.Virat Kohli (16 Tournaments – 4 World Cups, 4 Champions Trophies, 6 T20 World Cups, 2 World Test Championships)
Stellar batting skill with which Indian star batter Virat Kohli plays cover drive has also been seen in 16 ICC tournaments held globally. His success is attributed to consistent starvation to make runs for the team, making his contribution countable in both the first inning and tough chasing conditions. As a run machine, King Kohli led the Indian team to win the thrilling final of the Champions Trophy 2017. In the World Test Championship 2019-21, India stood as runner-up under the leadership of Virat Kohli.
3. Mahela Jayawardene (16 Tournaments – 5 World Cups, 6 Champions Trophies, 5 T20 World Cups)
Sri Lanka’s former skipper, Mahela Jayawardene, has participated in 16 global ICC events. A key figure in Sri Lanka’s golden era, Jayawardene played five ODI World Cups, six Champions Trophies, and five T20 World Cups. His elegant batting and sharp leadership were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s success, including their iconic T20 World Cup 2014 triumph.
4. Shahid Afridi (16 Tournaments – 5 World Cups, 5 Champions Trophies, 6 T20 World Cups)
Pakistan’s flamboyant all-rounder, Shahid Afridi, also played in 16 ICC tournaments, excelling in all three formats. Notably, Afridi was a match-winner with both bat and ball, renowned for his aggressive stroke play and leg spin. He also played a crucial role in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2009 victory, where he made an impact in the final with both the bat and the ball.
5. Chris Gayle (16 Tournaments – 5 World Cups, 4 Champions Trophies, 7 T20 World Cups)
West Indies’ power-hitter Chris Gayle is fifth on the list of players with the most ICC tournament appearances, with 16 ICC tournament appearances. Known for his explosive batting, Gayle dominated bowlers in World Cups and T20 World Cups, helping West Indies win the 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cups. His ability to turn around the result of the games single-handedly made him one of the most feared batsmen in ICC events.
6. Kumar Sangakkara (15 Tournaments – 4 World Cups, 6 Champions Trophies, 5 T20 World Cups)
Another Sri Lankan great, Kumar Sangakkara, has featured in 15 ICC tournaments, showcasing his class across formats. The attacking left-hander was a prolific run-scorer and guided Sri Lanka to multiple ICC finals. Sangakkara was also a key member of the T20 World Cup 2014 winning squad, as he finished his career as one of the game’s most respected figures.
Conclusion
These among others, have demonstrated remarkable longevity, earning themselves a place in the squad for the ICC tournaments for their respective nations through the years. Their efforts have contributed to some of cricket’s most cherished moments.
