T20 is the newest format of cricket. The action takes place quickly here and in this regard, T20 is totally different from the other two formats.
Thus, T20 cricket needs the players to be fit and fast on the field. Often the young players are the most in demand. But at the same time, teams do rely on a little experience to find the right mix.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen many professional players over its years of existence. A few even continued to play in the league when they were in their 40s!
So now, let’s take a look at the fivest ancient players who have played through the history of the IPL.
Oldest players in IPL history
5. Imran Tahir – 42 Years and 29 Days
Imran Tahir is usually associated with his iconic and long-running celebration. Indeed, the leg spinner has been one who has dominated the age factor and has played considerable cricket in his 40s.
His last IPL match was in 2021 and during that time, he was the player of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) unit that was 42 years and 29 days old. And, besides Mumbai Indians, he had a comeback with the numbers of 2 for 16 on April 25, 2021.
He was a decent performer in the tournament. He was part of three teams and played 59 matches during which he captured 82 wickets.
His best time in CSK colors was 2019. With 26 wickets taken, Tahir was crowned the winner of the Purple Cap that season.
4. Muttiah Muralitharan – 42 Years and 35 Days
Muttiah Muralitharan after his retirement from international cricket was still a part of the IPL. The spinning maestro was winding up his IPL career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the time.
Murali’s last match was in the year 2014. The match was between RCB and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 22, 2014, when he was 42 years and 35 days old.
The Sri Lankan great had a fantastic time in the IPL. He took 63 wickets at an economy of 6.67 in 66 matches.
Once with RCB, Murali also played for CSK and Kochi Tuskers Kerala. Between 2008 and 2010, Murali was a constant presence in the CSK squad.
3. MS Dhoni * – 43 Years and 321 Days
Although everyone is guessing about the retirement of MS Dhoni, he is still playing for his beloved team, CSK. Currently, he is the third player who participated in IPL 2025.
Dhoni is almost turning 44. However, he is still wearing the yellow jersey with great honor.
The moment he walks onto the pitch, the crowd goes wild for him. Such is the treatment that MSD receives almost everywhere.
At the age of 43 years and 321 days, Dhoni will bid goodbye to the IPL at its season end, having played more than 278 games in total, and scored nearly 5500 runs.
2. Pravin Tambe – 44 Years and 219 Days
Pravin Tambe is the second-oldest player to compete in the IPL. To be precise, his entire IPL career was confined to the 40s!
Tambe didn’t take the league by a storm at once. He made his IPL debut at such an age when most players opt for retirement. He was 41 years and 211 days old at his debut, thus becoming the oldest debutant in the history of the league.
He bowled leg spin and took 28 wickets in 33 matches. The last game he played was for the Gujarat Lions against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 14, 2016.
He was 44 years and 219 days old when he played against RCB. Moreover, in his two-over spell, Tambe went wicketless and allowed 25 runs.
Read Also:- IPL 2026 Retained And Released Players List
1. Brag Hogg – 45 Years and 92 Days
Brad Hogg is the one who tops the list of the oldest players in IPL history. I think it is justified to say that his record will take a long time before it is broken.
The chinaman bowler was 45 years and 92 days when he played his last IPL match. On May 8, 2016, Hogg played for KKR against Gujarat Lions and secured the title of being the oldest player in the IPL.
Hogg didn’t have a long career in the IPL but he was different from others because of his unconventional method of bowling. The former Australian left-arm wrist-spinner first played for Rajasthan Royals and then wrapped up his career with KKR.
