ISLAMABAD: Cricket history was made on Monday as Oman’s opening batter, Aamir Kaleem, stepped onto the field to become the most senior player ever to compete in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match.
The 44-year-old achieved this landmark during his team’s Group B fixture against Zimbabwe at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club.
🇴🇲 Oman’s Aamir Kaleem becomes the oldest player to play in a Men’s T20 World Cup match at 44 years and 81 days 👏🏏
He breaks the previous record held by Hong Kong’s Ryan Campbell at 44 years and 34 days.#CricketEverywhere #OmanCricket pic.twitter.com/XFlI2Juby7
— Associate Chronicles (@AssociateChrons) February 9, 2026
A new record holder
Kaleem, aged 44 years and 81 days, has now officially surpassed the previous age record. The milestone was previously held by Ryan Campbell of Hong Kong, who was 44 years and 34 days old during the 2016 tournament.
Coincidentally, Monday also saw Italy’s captain, Wayne Madsen (42 years, 38 days), join the list of the tournament’s oldest participants, marking a notable day for experienced campaigners.
With this feat, Kaleem’s name leads an esteemed group of veteran cricketers who have graced the World Cup stage. This list includes prominent figures such as Uganda’s Frank Nsubuga (43y 285d), former Australian spinner Brad Hogg (43y 45d), UAE’s Khurram Khan (42y 273d), and the iconic West Indian batsman Chris Gayle (42y 46d).
A bittersweet personal landmark
While the day secured his place in the record books, it proved challenging for Kaleem on the pitch. After Zimbabwe opted to field first, the Omani opener’s innings was cut short after facing just seven deliveries. He was dismissed for 5 runs, caught off the bowling of Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani.
His early departure triggered a top-order collapse for Oman, who found themselves in deep trouble at 16 runs for the loss of three wickets within the first four overs of their innings, ultimately shaping the course of the match.
