T20 International cricket is the shortest format of the game, but earning a place in a national team is never easy. Many players make their debut and continue playing regularly, while others have to wait years before getting another opportunity.
Long gaps between T20I appearances can happen for several reasons. A player may lose their place in the team because of poor form, injuries, strong competition, retirement, or selection changes. In some cases, countries play very few T20Is, while players who switch national teams under ICC eligibility rules may also experience lengthy breaks before returning to international cricket.
Some of these comeback stories are remarkable. Several players returned to international cricket after waiting more than a decade, proving their determination and love for the game. This article looks at the longest intervals between T20I appearances in men’s international cricket.
Longest Intervals Between T20I Appearances
| Rank | Player | Team | Interval | Matches | Previous Appearance | Next Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KC Hodsoll | Bermuda | 13 years 97 days | 4 | 5 Aug 2008 | 10 Nov 2021 |
| 2 | Amjad Khan | Denmark/England | 12 years 214 days | 9 | 15 Mar 2009 | 15 Oct 2021 |
| 3 | OO Bascome | Bermuda | 11 years 80 days | 3 | 5 Aug 2008 | 24 Oct 2019 |
| 4 | GH O’Brien | Bermuda | 11 years 13 days | 11 | 5 Aug 2008 | 18 Aug 2019 |
| 5 | RJ Trott | Bermuda | 11 years 13 days | 21 | 5 Aug 2008 | 18 Aug 2019 |
| 6 | Xavier Marshall | USA/West Indies | 9 years 269 days | 20 | 19 Jun 2009 | 15 Mar 2019 |
| 7 | Johan Botha Theron | South Africa/USA | 9 years 222 days | 18 | 30 Mar 2012 | 7 Nov 2021 |
| 8 | Liam Plunkett | England | 9 years 164 days | 22 | 15 Jun 2006 | 26 Nov 2015 |
| 9 | Devon Thomas | West Indies | 8 years 303 days | 12 | 13 Feb 2013 | 13 Dec 2021 |
| 10 | Anas Khan | Hong Kong | 8 years 299 days | 27 | 24 Nov 2014 | 19 Sep 2023 |
1. KC Hodsoll (Bermuda) – 13 Years 97 Days
KC Hodsoll holds the record for the longest gap between two T20I appearances. After representing Bermuda on 5 August 2008, he did not play another T20 International until 10 November 2021. His return came after an incredible 13 years and 97 days, making it the longest interval in T20I history.
KC Hodsoll’s Record
2. Amjad Khan (Denmark and England) – 12 Years 214 Days
Amjad Khan is one of the few cricketers to represent two different countries in T20 Internationals. He first played for England before later qualifying to represent Denmark. Between his appearance on 15 March 2009 and his return on 15 October 2021, he waited 12 years and 214 days.
Amjad Khan’s Record
3. OJO Bascome (Bermuda) – 11 Years 80 Days
OJO Bascome made his T20I debut in August 2008 before disappearing from Bermuda’s international side. He returned on 24 October 2019, ending a wait of 11 years and 80 days. Despite playing only three T20Is, his comeback remains one of the longest in international cricket.
OJO Bascome’s Record
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Team: Bermuda
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Gap: 11 years 80 days
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Career T20Is: 3