Stats: Top 10 players with most number of World Cup matches
Former Australian batting great Ricky Ponting, who won the ODI World Cup three consecutive times between 1999 and 2007, tops the list of players with the most number of World Cup games. Since making his debut in the 1996 World Cup held in the subcontinent, the Tasmanian has played a total of 46 matches for his country.
Following him at a close second is Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who has played 45 games across six editions of the competition. Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan comes in at third with 40 matches, followed by Australian pacemen Glenn McGrath with 39.
Destructive opening batsman Sanath Jayasuriya is at number 5 with 38 matches and shares that spot with Pakistan legend Wasim Akram. South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis comes in at the 7th spot with 36 matches to his name.
The eighth spot is tied between two subcontinental greats: Aravinda de Silva and Inzamam-ul-Haq, both of whom have played 35 games apiece. The list is rounded off by West Indian great Brian Lara, who has played in 34 World Cup matches.
| Rank | Player Name | Matches | Span |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ricky Ponting | 46 | 1996-2011 |
| 2. | Sachin Tendulkar | 45 | 1992-2011 |
| 3. | Muttiah Muralitharan | 40 | 1996-2011 |
| 4. | Glenn McGrath | 39 | 1996-2007 |
| 5. | Sanath Jayasuriya | 38 | 1992-2007 |
| Wasim Akram | 38 | 1987-2003 | |
| 7. | Jacques Kallis | 36 | 1996-2011 |
| 8. | Aravinda de Silva | 35 | 1987-2003 |
| Inzamam Ul-Haq | 35 | 1992-2007 | |
| 10. | Brian Lara | 34 | 1992-2007 |
Note: Stats updated till February 5, 2015