Oldest Players To Make Champions Trophy Debut

Akshita Patel

Oldest Players Make Debut Champions Trophy [Source: @NepalsRhinoArmy/X.com]Oldest Players Make Debut Champions Trophy [Source: @NepalsRhinoArmy/X.com]

The ICC Champions Trophy is a unique tournament played by limited sides in a 50-over competition. The tournament, which is quick-paced, offers thrill and excitement to fans.

Despite the Champions Trophy being inactive from 2017-2025, neither the excitement nor the hype regarding the 2025 edition saw any change.

But history has seen a few cricketers go against the grain and make their debuts in the competition way past their 40s. Such players, proving that age is just a number, took it to the big stage to represent their countries.

On that note, here’s a list of the five oldest players to make their debut in the Champions Trophy.

5. Howard Johnson (USA) – 40 years, 25 days

Ranking fifth off the list is a USA player, Howard Johnson. At 40 years and 25 days, Johnson debuted in the 2004 Champions Trophy and became one of the oldest debutants in the tournament’s history. 

However, like his teammates, he found the competition tough as the USA struggled against a formidable New Zealand side. 

However, he couldn’t sustain himself in international cricket and played his last ODI in 2004 itself.

4. Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan) – 40 years, 51 days

Mohammad Nabi [Source: @Cric_records45/X.com] Mohammad Nabi [Source: @Cric_records45/X.com]

The only player from a Test-playing nation on this list, Mohammad Nabi made his Champions Trophy debut in 2025 at the age of 40 years and 51 days. 

A legendary all-rounder of Afghanistan, Nabi had already featured in several T20 World Cups and ODI World Cups prior to getting his first opportunity in the Champions Trophy. 

His vast experience and leadership qualities made him a crucial figure in Afghanistan’s campaign. 

3. Mark Johnson (USA) – 40 years, 318 days

Mark Johnson [Source: @USACricket/X.com] Mark Johnson [Source: @USACricket/X.com]

Another name from the USA’s 2004 squad, Mark Johnson, was nearly 41 years old when he got his first Champions Trophy cap. 

A wicketkeeper-batsman, Johnson had the crucial job of handling the gloves against world-class opponents. 

However, the USA’s inexperience at the international level meant they were outclassed, and Johnson’s debut ended in disappointment.

2. Tony Reid (USA) – 42 years, 154 days

Tony Reid was another veteran who took the field for the USA in the 2004 Champions Trophy. Aged 42 years and 154 days, he made his debut against New Zealand. 

A right-handed batsman and part-time bowler, Reid was one of the oldest cricketers to ever feature in an ICC tournament. 

Despite his experience, USA found it tough against the Black Caps, who secured a dominant victory.

1. Donovan Blake (USA) – 42 years, 284 days

The oldest player to appear in a Champions Trophy match, Donovan Blake created history when he came up against Australia at 42 years and 284 days. 

A right-arm fast bowler, Blake had represented domestic teams of the West Indies before moving to the USA. His debut, however, was not a memorable one as the USA fought a losing battle against a powerful Australian team.