Oldest Player to Make ODI Debut: Players are often seen making noise with bat and ball on the cricket field and people from all over the world come to the field to see their brilliant performance. Some of these players play for their team very early. So some players get a chance after a long time even after performing well consistently. Those who play for their team early become the youngest players to debut. Those who get the chance last, become the oldest players to debut. So today we will tell you about the 5 oldest players who debuted in ODI.
1 – Nolan Clark
The first name in the list of oldest players to debut in ODI cricket is Nolan Clarke of Netherlands. Clarke holds the record for making his debut at the oldest age in ODI cricket. On 17 February 1996, Netherlands faced New Zealand in Vadodara, India. Clarke played his first ODI in this match. At that time his age was 47 years 240 days. Entering international cricket at such an early age was a big achievement in itself. This record of his still stands today.
Born when Bradman was still playing. Shared dressing room with sobers. Started First-Class cricket before Lara, Sachin, or Pollock were born; yet played a World Cup alongside all of them. A Cricketing bridge which spanned eras. Revisiting Nolan Clarke story on his Birthday today👇 https://t.co/86THbep5Y5pic.twitter.com/5rjCqTFgQX
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) June 22, 2025
2 – Norman Gifford
Former England spinner Norman Gifford remains at second place in this list. He spent most of his career in Test cricket. On 24 March 1985, he got a chance to make his ODI debut in the match between England and Australia in Sharjah. At that time Gifford's age was 44 years 359 days. That means he was just six days away from his 45th birthday. On the basis of his experience and spin bowling, he made his place in international cricket.
3 – Rahul Sharma
Hong Kong's Rahul Sharma is at third place in the list of oldest players to debut in One Day International cricket. He is a player of Indian origin. Who made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup on 16 July 2004. At the time of this match played in Colombo, his age was 43 years 306 days. It was not easy to play international cricket at this age but Rahul won the hearts of all the fans with his performance and passion.
Worcestershire County Cricket Club are saddened to share the news of the passing of Norman Gifford MBE, aged 85.
A former Worcestershire captain, Norman enjoyed an illustrious playing career that saw him win the County Championship with the Pears in 1964.
Norman, represented… pic.twitter.com/FKfqIJL6Dz
— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) January 20, 2026
4 – JL Lau
Namibia's JL Lau is fourth in the list of oldest players to debut in ODI international cricket. He played his first ODI on 10 February 2003 against Zimbabwe in Harare. This match took place during the World Cup. At that time Lau's age was 43 years 236 days. Coming to a big stage like the World Cup at such an age, he performed brilliantly many times in his career.
5 – Flavian Aponso
Flavien Aponso of Netherlands remains at fifth place in this list. Flavian Aponso is present in the list of the oldest players to debut in One Day International cricket. He also made his debut in the same match against New Zealand in Vadodara on 17 February 1996, in which Nolan Clarke made the record.
Read this also:Afghanistan vs Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel and Lalit Rajbanshi created a stir with the ball, restricted Afghanistan to 102 runs in the Asian Games.