Meet Top 10 Tallest Cricketer in the World: From Tall to Tallest
Cricket is a game of skill, strategy, and sometimes…height! Over the years, the cricket world has seen players of all shapes and sizes, but one thing that always grabs attention is when a player stands head and shoulders literally above the rest. You may have asked yourself: who is the tallest cricketer in the world? Let’s take a tall walk through history and meet the giants of the game, leading up to the tallest cricketer in the world.
Who is the Tallest Cricketer in the World?
Mohammad Irfan – 7’1″ (216 cm)
Yes, you read that right. Mohammad Irfan from Pakistan stands at a jaw-dropping 7 feet 1 inch tall. That makes him not only the tallest cricketer in the world but also one of the tallest athletes to ever play a mainstream sport.
Born on June 6, 1982, in Burewala, Pakistan, Mohammad Irfan came from a humble background. He worked in a plastic pipe factory before being discovered by a cricket official. His journey from factory floors to international stadiums is nothing short of inspirational.
A Game for All Sizes
Before we meet the tallest cricketer in the world, it’s worth remembering that cricket is a game where height has never been a rule for success. From the short and agile Sachin Tendulkar to the towering Joel Garner, players of every height have achieved greatness.
Height, however, can give some advantages especially for fast bowlers. A tall bowler can deliver the ball from a greater height, which means it bounces differently and can trouble batters. That’s why many tall bowlers become legends. But being tall is not just for bowlers; even batsmen and fielders can use their height to their advantage.
Top 10 Tall Legends of Cricket: Before the Tallest
| S. No | Cricketer Name | Height | Country | Role |
| 1 | Mohammad Irfan | 7’1” (216 cm) | Pakistan | Fast Bowler |
| 2 | Joel Garner | 6’8” (203 cm) | West Indies | Fast Bowler |
| 3 | Bruce Reid | 6’8” (203 cm) | Australia | Fast Bowler |
| 4 | Kyle Jamieson | 6’8” (203 cm) | New Zealand | All-Rounder |
| 5 | Boyd Rankin | 6’8” (203 cm) | Ireland/England | Fast Bowler |
| 6 | Curtly Ambrose | 6’7” (201 cm) | West Indies | Fast Bowler |
| 7 | Jason Holder | 6’7” (201 cm) | West Indies | All-Rounder |
| 8 | Steven Finn | 6’7” (201 cm) | England | Fast Bowler |
| 9 | Ishant Sharma | 6’4” (193 cm) | India | Fast Bowler |
| 10. | Tom Moody | 6’7″ (201 cm) | Australia | All Rounder |
1. Joel Garner – 6’8″ (203 cm)
Nicknamed “Big Bird,” Joel Garner was one of the most feared fast bowlers from the West Indies during the 1970s and 1980s. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, his height made his yorkers even more deadly. He would release the ball from a great height, making it bounce sharply and often unplayable.
2. Bruce Reid – 6’8″ (203 cm)
Australia’s Bruce Reid was another tall fast bowler. He played in the 1980s and early ’90s and used his height for steep bounce and accuracy. Sadly, injuries shortened his career, but his tall frame made him a special sight on the field.
3. Peter Crouch of Cricket – Curtly Ambrose – 6’7″ (201 cm)
Curtly Ambrose, another West Indian great, stood at 6’7″. His run-up, bounce, and accuracy made him a nightmare for batters around the world. His tall figure and intimidating stare became his trademark.
4. Steven Finn – 6’7″ (201 cm)
England’s Steven Finn was among the modern tall fast bowlers. He used his height for bounce and good pace. He didn’t become a legend like Ambrose or Garner, but his height still gave him an edge.
5. Ishant Sharma – 6’4″ (193 cm)
India’s Ishant Sharma is one of the tallest Indian cricketers. His height helped him get good bounce on flat pitches. Over the years, he developed into a reliable bowler, especially in overseas conditions.
6. Boyd Rankin – 6’8″ (203 cm)
The Irish-born bowler played for both Ireland and England. His bounce and swing troubled many batsmen.
7. Kyle Jamieson – 6’8″ (203 cm)
This rising star from New Zealand is one of the tallest players in today’s game. With his deadly bouncers and useful batting skills, Jamieson is a complete package.
8. Jason Holder – 6’7″ (201 cm)
The former West Indies captain is known for his calm mind and smart cricket. As a bowler, his height helps him get great bounce, and as a batsman, he can clear boundaries with ease.
Does Height Guarantee Success in Cricket?
This is a question many people ask when they hear about the tallest cricketers. The answer is not always.
Height can be an advantage, but it also brings challenges. Taller players can struggle with injuries, slower movements, and stamina. But if they work on their fitness and technique, height can be a powerful tool.
Many short cricketers like Tendulkar (5’5″) and Muttiah Muralitharan (5’7″) became legends. So, it’s not about how tall you are, but how well you play the game.
Final Thoughts
Cricket celebrates talent in every form. Whether you are the shortest or the tallest cricketer in the world, it’s your heart, effort, and dedication that truly matter.
Mohammad Irfan might have been known first for his height, but he earned respect for his hard work, character, and contribution to cricket. He reminded the world that giants don’t just exist in fairytales they also take wickets on real pitches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the tallest cricketer in the world?
The tallest cricketer in the world is Mohammad Irfan from Pakistan. He stands at an impressive 7 feet 1 inch (216 cm). His height helped him become a unique fast bowler who could generate steep bounce, making it tough for batsmen to face him.
2. How tall is Mohammad Irfan?
Mohammad Irfan is 7 feet 1 inch (216 cm) tall, making him the tallest cricketer ever to play international cricket. His extraordinary height is one of the reasons he gained fame in the cricket world.
3. Is height an advantage in cricket?
Yes, height can be an advantage, especially for fast bowlers. Taller bowlers release the ball from a higher point, which helps them generate extra bounce. However, being tall also brings challenges like fitness issues, balance, and stamina.
4. Are there any other tall cricketers close to Irfan’s height?
Yes, there are a few tall cricketers who come close:
- Joel Garner – 6’8″
- Bruce Reid – 6’8″
- Kyle Jamieson – 6’8″
- Boyd Rankin – 6’8″ But none have matched or exceeded Mohammad Irfan’s height of 7’1”.
5. What is the average height of a cricketer?
The average height of international male cricketers usually falls between 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm). However, there are successful cricketers both above and below this range.
6. Has Mohammad Irfan played in the IPL?
No, Mohammad Irfan has not played in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, he has played in several other T20 leagues, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
7. Is Mohammad Irfan still playing cricket?
As of recent updates, Mohammad Irfan has mostly stepped away from international cricket but continues to appear in domestic and league-level T20 matches. He also serves as an inspiration to younger cricketers.
8. What challenges do very tall cricketers face?
Tall cricketers often deal with:
- Injury concerns, especially back and knee problems
- Fitness issues due to body strain
- Difficulty with fielding and balance However, with proper training and care, they can have very successful careers.
9. Who is the tallest Indian cricketer?
The tallest Indian cricketer is Ishant Sharma, who is 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall. He has played many matches for India and is known for his pace and bounce.
10. Can a very tall person become a batsman?
Yes, tall players can definitely become good batsmen! Though it may take more effort to adjust footwork and balance, several tall cricketers like Kevin Pietersen (6’4″), Jason Holder (6’7″), and Chris Gayle (6’3″) have proven that height is no barrier to batting success.
