ICC Champions Trophy: Age Records Broken

On February 19, 2025, the ninth iteration of the ICC Champions Trophy got underway. In the third match of this edition, the Afghanistan team has made its Champions Trophy debut. With this, experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who is part of the team, has achieved a major achievement.

Nabi has now become the fourth oldest player to make his Champions Trophy debut. He is, nevertheless, the first member of a nation’s Test playing squad to debut in the Champions Trophy after turning 40. Earlier, this record was recorded in the name of four Associate National players.

All these players proved that age does not matter in the world of cricket. On a big stage like the Champions Trophy, these players earned a name with their hard work and struggle. Despite aging, these players brought glory to their country and showed that there is no age limit in cricket.

Here we are going to tell you about the five oldest players to make their Champions Trophy debut.

Top 5 Oldest ICC Champions Trophy Debutants

Howard Johnson (USA): 40 Years, 25 Days

Fifth on this list is Howard Johnson of the United States, who made his Champions Trophy debut at the age of 40 years and 25 days against New Zealand. However, the USA team struggled against the Kiwi team in this match and Johnson’s debut was not that memorable. He retired from his international career in 2004 itself.

Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan): 40 Years, 51 Days

Mohammad Nabi, a leading all-rounder from Afghanistan, made his debut against South Africa in the 2025 Champions Trophy at the age of 40 years and 51 days. He took 2 wickets for 51 runs in 10 overs in this match. Now he will be expected to bat a big innings, as the Proteas have scored 315/6 against the Afghan team.

Mark Johnson (USA): 40 Years, 318 Days

Mark Johnson was a member of the USA in the 2004 Champions Trophy. He made his Champions Trophy debut at the age of 40 years and 318 days. He was in charge of wicketkeeping against opposition teams of the highest level as a batsman and wicketkeeper. However, the USA team lacked experience and his debut was also not special.

Tony Reid (USA): 42 Years, 154 Days

Tony Reid was the second oldest player during the 2004 Champions Trophy, making his debut against New Zealand at the age of 42 years and 154 days. As a right-handed batsman and part-time bowler, Reid struggled for the USA team, but his efforts were in vain against a strong team like New Zealand. His team had to face defeat in that match.

Donovan Blake (USA): 42 Years, 284 Days

At 42 years and 284 days old, Donovan Blake made his Champions Trophy debut, making him the oldest player to do so in the tournament’s history. He was a fast bowler and had also made his presence felt in West Indies domestic cricket. However, his debut was not very successful because the USA lost to a formidable team like Australia.

Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy: Top Run Chase Records