Who Played Most International Cricket Matches?

Longevity is one of the most difficult tasks in the game of cricket. This is because playing the sport drains the player and it requires an ultimate level of fitness to compete at the highest level. Not many can stay there for long and perform as consistently as it has been done by some of the stalwarts of the game.

The game of cricket has seen quite a few players who have started as unknowns and end up as legends of the game. This is because not only have they performed with the bat and ball but also played the game for longer periods of time with the same intensity as it was in the first game. There have been players who have graced the game for more than one decade and in this piece, we will take a look at players with the most international matches.

1. Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 664 matches

Former India skipper Sachin Tendulkar holds the record of playing the most number of international matches. The batting great, who is known as the God of Cricket, featured in 664 matches for his team throughout his career, which speaks about his longevity. He played 200 Tests, which is the most by any player, and 463 ODIs along with one T20I in his career spanning 24 years. He is also the leading run-maker in international cricket with 34357 runs to his name along with 100 centuries. He also was no mug with the ball as he picked 201 wickets as well along with two fifers. 

2. Mahela Jayawardene’s tally of 652 matches

Sri Lanka legend Mahela Jayawardene is not far behind Sachin Tendulkar in terms of most matches played in international cricket. In fact, the duo are the only players in the history of the game to play over 600 games in international cricket. The former Sri Lanka skipper has played a total of 652 games in his career and achieved some incredible things for the team. The right-hander featured in 149 Tests, 448 ODIs and 55 T20Is, scoring 25957 runs at the international stage. He also racked up 54 centuries and was also handy with the ball, picking 14 wickets in his career.

3. Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 594 matches

Kumar Sangakkara//Getty Images

Another player from Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara, features in the elite list of players who have played most international matches. The 2014 T20 World Cup winner has played a total of 594 games in his career and was arguably one of the best batters to have played the game. The left-hander during his career slammed 28016 runs to go with 63 centuries in his career. He featured in 134 Tests, 404 ODIs and 56 T20Is in his career spanning 15 years. He also was one of the finest keepers during his playing days. 

4. Sanath Jayasuriya’s tally of 586 matches

Current Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has played the fourth-highest number of matches in international cricket. The batting maestro played 586 matches in his career. He made his debut in 1989 and then called time on his career in 2011. During his playing days, he was rated as one of the most aggressive batters and played many impactful knocks for the team. Overall, he slammed 21032 runs and also hit 42 centuries in his career. Not only this, he was equally good with the ball for his team as he mustered 440 wickets to go with 6 five-wicket hauls.