He has been part of international cricket for two decades and feels that a “home farewell” would be the ideal way to end his career.
A long career in professional sports showcases not only talent but also dedication, fitness, and passion, among other qualities.
Players like Sachin Tendulkar are hailed as the greatest of all time (GOAT), Javed Miandad is a cricket icon, Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized the game, and Sean Williams is recognized for his innate talent.
These four are the only cricketers to have played One Day Internationals (ODIs) for more than 20 years.
Williams, the latest to join this prestigious group, achieved this milestone on February 25, 2025, after making his ODI debut on the same date in 2005 against South Africa at Wanderers.
“I’m still trying to come to terms with getting older,” Williams reflected on his career. “It’s an incredible feeling to have been involved in cricket for so long.” The 38-year-old all-rounder is now part of an elite group of cricketers with extensive ODI careers. India’s Sachin Tendulkar played 463 ODIs over 22 years, Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya appeared in 445 matches over 21 years, and Pakistan’s Javed Miandad played 233 ODIs across 20 years. Williams, after playing 162 ODIs, has now reached the 20-year mark.
“I’m grateful to the many people who supported me at key moments,” he added.
Zimbabwe is scheduled to co-host the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup with South Africa and Namibia. Will Williams still be around by then?
“I’d love to try and keep playing until then, yes,” he answered, “but injuries and form will be the deciding factors. If I manage to hold on, it could be by the skin of my teeth, but a home farewell would be amazing.”
Williams is just nine matches away from his 100th ODI at home and is Zimbabwe’s sixth-highest ODI run-scorer with 5,140 runs. If he continues through to the 2027 World Cup, who knows how far he could go? That year could see the longest ODI career in history! Only time will tell.
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