The ICC Cricket World Cup stands as the pinnacle of cricket tournaments, where players aspire to represent their nation on this grand stage. Since the inaugural event in 1975, there have been 13 editions to date.
Within this history, some legendary players have graced five or more ICC Cricket World Cups, showcasing their enduring excellence. Remarkably, only two players have participated in six World Cup editions. Let’s explore this exclusive list of cricketers.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 6 Times
Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the greatest batter of all time, achieved a remarkable feat by playing in six World Cup editions. He was part of Team India in 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, and finally 2011. With a stellar career, he stands as the sole player to amass over 2000 runs in ODI Cricket World Cup history. Tendulkar’s crowning glory came in the 2011 edition when he clinched the World Cup in his final appearance. Over his 45 matches, he accumulated 2278 runs at an impressive average of 56.75, setting a record. His tally includes six centuries and 15 half-centuries, cementing his place in the record books.
2. Javed Miandad – 6 Times
Javed Miandad, a cricket legend from Pakistan, made an indelible mark on the country’s cricket history. He stands as one of Pakistan’s finest players. Miandad holds the distinction of being among the first two players to participate in six ODI Cricket World Cup editions, spanning from 1975 to 1996. In his 33 appearances, he amassed 1083 runs at an impressive average of 43.32, featuring one century and eight half-centuries.
3. Ricky Ponting – 5 Times
Ricky Ponting, following Clive Lloyd, is the second captain to guide his team to back-to-back World Cup victories. He led Australia to triumph in the 2003 and 2007 ODI Cricket World Cups. Ponting boasts the record for the most World Cup appearances and stands as the second-highest run-scorer in tournament history. Over 46 matches, he accumulated 1743 runs at an impressive average of 45.86, featuring five centuries and six half-centuries. His standout performance, including an unbeaten 140 in the 2003 finals, significantly contributed to Australia’s success.
4. Mahela Jayawardena – 5 Times
Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lankan captain, delivered a century in the 2011 World Cup finals against India. He contributed significantly to Sri Lanka’s success during his participation in five editions from 1999 to 2015. Across 40 matches, he amassed 1100 runs with an average of 35.48, including four centuries and five half-centuries. His highest score was an unbeaten 115.
5. Jacques Kallis – 5 Times
Jacques Kallis, a standout talent from South Africa, excelled as an all-rounder. He played in five ODI Cricket World Cup editions from 1996 to 2011 before retiring in 2014. Across 36 matches, Kallis contributed 1148 runs with an impressive average of 45.92, including one century and nine half-centuries. He also made an impact with the ball, claiming 21 wickets.
6. Chris Gayle – 5 Times
Chris Gayle, a renowned West Indian cricketer, participated in five editions of the ODI Cricket World Cup, starting from his debut in 2003 and continuing until 2019. Over 34 innings, he accumulated 1186 runs with an average of 35.93, boasting a top score of 215. Gayle registered two centuries, six half-centuries, and holds the distinction of being one of only two batters with an ODI double-hundred in World Cup history.
7. Aravinda de Silva – 5 Times
Aravinda de Silva, the former Sri Lankan cricket star, stands among the select few batters who achieved 1000 runs in World Cups. His standout performance earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ award in the 1996 World Cup, which Sri Lanka won. De Silva was a linchpin in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup during his era, amassing 1064 runs in 35 World Cup matches at an average of 36.68, featuring two centuries and six half-centuries.
8. Imran Khan – 5 Times
Pakistan clinched the Cricket World Cup just once, and it was under the leadership of Imran Khan. The former captain was a unique force in terms of match-winning contributions. Imran Khan embarked on his first World Cup journey as a teenager in 1975 and guided Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup, marking his illustrious career. Over 28 World Cup matches, he amassed 665 runs with an average of 33.06, featuring one century and four half-centuries. Additionally, he showcased his bowling prowess, taking 34 wickets at an average of 19.26.
9. Arjuna Ranatunga – 5 Times
Similar to Imran Khan, Arjuna Ranatunga led Sri Lanka to their sole ODI Cricket World Cup victory, inspiring an entire nation’s cricketing dreams. Ranatunga entered the World Cup arena in 1983 and concluded his journey in 1999. Across 30 matches, he amassed 969 runs at a remarkable average of 46.14, including seven half-centuries.
10. Wasim Akram – 5 Times
Wasim Akram played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup victory, earning the ‘Man of the Match’ in the finals for his exceptional all-round performance. He had a remarkable World Cup career, participating in five editions and ranking among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers. In his 38 matches, Akram claimed a total of 55 wickets at an average of 23.83 while also contributing with the bat, amassing 426 runs.
11. Inzamam-ul-Haq – 5 Times
Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistani captain, commenced his World Cup journey in 1992 as a young talent, contributing to the victorious team. He continued to feature in four more ODI Cricket World Cup editions, concluding in 2007. Inzamam held a prominent status among Pakistan’s top batters of the past era. Over 35 World Cup matches, he accumulated 717 runs at an average of 23.90, delivering crucial innings during his tenure.
12. Sanath Jayasuriya – 5 Times
Sri Lankan cricket icon Sanath Jayasuriya set an aggressive batting precedent, influencing the likes of Virender Sehwag, Adam Gilchrist, Shahid Afridi, and others. Jayasuriya ranked as the fourth-highest run-scorer in World Cup history. Across 38 matches, the left-hander accumulated 1165 runs at an average of 34.26, featuring three centuries and six half-centuries. Additionally, he proved his value as a bowler, claiming 27 wickets.
13. Brain Lara – 5 Times
Brian Lara showcased remarkable consistency in ODI Cricket World Cup tournaments, participating in five editions. He stood as the third-highest run-scorer in the event’s history. Over the course of 34 World Cup matches, the left-hander accumulated 1225 runs with an impressive average of 42.24, including two centuries and seven half-centuries. Notably, both of his hundreds were against South Africa.
14. Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 5 Times
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, a former West Indian batting sensation, stood out as one of the premier cricketers of his time. Renowned for his consistency in all formats, the left-hander participated in 31 matches, amassing 970 runs at an impressive average of 40.41, featuring one century and seven half-centuries.
15. Muttiah Muralitharan – 5 Times
The legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan proved to be a standout performer in the tournament. He secured the second-highest number of wickets in ODI Cricket World Cup history, trailing only three wickets behind Glenn McGrath, the top wicket-taker. Murali holds the distinction of participating in three World Cup finals during his career (1996, 2007, and 2011). Across 40 matches, he claimed 68 wickets at an impressive average of 19.63, including four four-wicket hauls.
