17 Heaviest Cricketers in the World: Who Tops the List?

We’ve trawled through the annals of Cricket history right up to the present day to find out who are the heaviest cricketers in the world. Join us as we run from 17 to 1 of the heavy hitters in cricket and their key statistics. Let’s Go!

Cricket has long celebrated the diversity of its players, not just in skill and nationality, but also in physique. Some of the most memorable cricketers who have graced the pitch are not just heavy hitters with the bat but also heavy in terms of weight.

These formidable athletes prove that skill often trumps fitness, although conditioning remains a key aspect of the modern game.

Think of the heaviest cricketer like the sumo wrestler of the pitch—a commanding presence that can equally inspire awe and debate over the importance of fitness in cricket.

Their stories, often peppered with struggles and triumphs, offer a unique perspective on the cultural attitudes toward fitness in cricket.

It’s not just about the numbers on the scale but how these numbers translate into runs, wickets, and match-winning performances.

The 17 Heaviest Cricketers of All Time

Cricket has been graced with players who not only brought exceptional skills to the pitch but also a considerable presence. Some of these players, tipping the scales, have carved their own niche in the annals of cricketing folklore. Let’s meet these heavy hitters!

17. Jesse Ryder (New Zealand) – 100 kg (223 lbs, 16 st)

The Kiwi powerhouse, Ryder, known for his hard-hitting batting, brought a hundred kilos of pure talent to the field. His weight never overshadowed his ability to smack the ball across the park.

16. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 101 kg (223 lbs, 16 st)

Chris Gayle, the “Universe Boss” is one of the most explosive batsmen in cricket history, known for setting records like the highest individual score in a T20 match. He was the first to hit a six off the first ball of a Test match.

15. Mohammad Shahzad (Afghanistan) – 101 kg (223 lbs, 16 st)

Shahzad, the stout wicket-keeper-batsman, has been a crowd-pleaser. His quick hands and even faster scoring rate made sure his weight never hindered Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket.

14. Graeme Smith (South Africa) – 102kg (225 lbs, 16 st)

Graeme Smith was the longest-serving captain of the South African cricket team and led them to the top of the ICC Test rankings. Known for his left-handed opening batting, Smith significantly contributed to his team’s success in all formats of the game.

13. Kieron Pollard (West Indies) – 105 kg, (231 lbs, 17 st)

Kieron Pollard is known for his all-round abilities in Twenty20 cricket, showcasing aggressive batting, effective medium-pace bowling, and exceptional fielding. He has been a key player for the West Indies and contributed to domestic T20 leagues globally.

12. Mike Gatting (England) – 110 kg (243 lbs, 17 st)

Gatting, with his bulky frame, was no pushover. His duels with the ball were as fierce as his presence at the crease, living up to his hefty build with sheer batting technique and grit.

11. Azam Khan (Pakistan) – 110 kg (243 lbs, 17 st)

Azam Khan is a Pakistani cricketer recognized for his aggressive batting and wicketkeeping skills. He has shown promise in T20 leagues worldwide, noted for his game-changing hitting ability. Despite initially being criticized for his fitness, he worked incredibly hard to lose weight and improve his agility, shedding over 30 kg to enhance his performance on the field.

10. Eddo Brandes (Zimbabwe) – 111 kg (245 lbs, 17 st)

Eddo Brandes was a Zimbabwean cricketer and a chicken farmer who contributed significantly to Zimbabwe’s cricket team in Tests and ODIs. Notably, he dismissed England captain Graham Gooch in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, securing a memorable win for Zimbabwe. His dual career as a cricketer and farmer made him a unique figure in cricket.

9. Mark Cosgrove (Australia) – 112 kg (247 lbs, 18 st)

Cosgrove’s name evokes images of solid batting performances. While his weight might have sparked some debate, his bat did the talking on the field. He was a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket leagues around the world, including Australia’s domestic competitions and England’s county cricket.

8. Mohammad Irfan (Pakistan) – 112 kg (247 lbs, 18 st)

7. Mervyn Dillon (West Indies) – 113 kg (249 lbs, 18 st)

Mervyn Dillon is known for his distinctive celebration style. After taking a wicket, Dillon would often embark on a long, enthusiastic run, followed by a leap and a punch into the air, a signature move that became a hallmark of his playing days. Dillon’s prowess as a fast bowler and his jumps for joy made his achievements even more special to fans and teammates alike.

6. Colin Milburn (England) – 114 kg (251 lbs, 18 st)

Milburn’s weight mirrors his colossal hitting. A promising career was tragically cut short following a tragic car accident in 1969 resulted in the loss of his eye, but not before he left an indelible mark with his hefty presence at the crease.

5. Inzamam-Ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 115 kg (254 lbs, 18 st)

Inzamam-ul-Haq was discovered by Pakistan’s then-captain Imran Khan, who included him in the national team for the 1992 Cricket World Cup. Inzamam played a pivotal role in Pakistan winning the tournament, particularly with a match-winning innings of 60 off 37 balls against New Zealand in the semi-final. This performance not only cemented his place in the team but also marked the beginning of his illustrious international career, during which he became one of Pakistan’s greatest batsmen.

4. Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka) – 115 kg (254 lbs, 18st)

Ranatunga, or ‘Captain Cool,’ tipping the scales at a solid 115kg, steered Sri Lanka to their fairy-tale 1996 World Cup triumph. His strategic insight outweighed any concerns about his fitness.

3. Dwayne Leverock (Bermuda) – 127 kg (280 lbs, 20 st)

Leverock became a sensation for his weight and his iconic diving catch against India in the 2007 World Cup. His bulk was paired with surprising agility on the field to make the crowd roar and the earth tremor.

2. Warwick Armstrong (Australia) – 133 kg (293 lbs, 21 st)

Armstrong, a giant in both stature and influence, was an Australian cricket titan. Known as “The Big Ship,” his robust build was a significant advantage in his dominant all-rounder role during the early 20th century.

1. Rahkeem Cornwall (West Indies) – 140 kg (309 lbs, 22 st)

Rahkeem “The Dream” Cornwall! The giant from the West Indies, towers over others not just in height but also in weight. Yet, his bulk is balanced with an ability to spin the ball, earning respect on the international scene.

Cultural Attitudes Toward Fitness in Cricket

Fitness in cricket has traditionally varied greatly across different cultures, with countries like Australia and England often emphasizing rigorous physical conditioning. But what about nations such as India or Sri Lanka? Do they see bulging biceps as essential for knocking the leather off the ball for international runs?

In India, cricket is nothing short of a religion, and players are demigods. Here’s a fun fact: while India has produced some of the game’s most masterful batsmen, fitness was not always in the spotlight.

However, the tide is turning. They’ve swapped butter chicken for broccoli and the gym sessions are just as intense as their net practice.

Players are now more tuned into the benefits of being in shape, recognizing that a quick single could be the difference between a century and a “classic sledge” from the opposition.

Heading over to England, the birthplace of cricket, the approach to fitness has a longer history. Think of it as traditional English tea—consistent and always on the menu.

From agile fielders to fast bowlers, England values the role of fitness and their cricketers’ physiques reflect this focus. It’s not just about being hefty; it’s about lasting the five grueling days of a Test match.

Now, let’s talk practical advice for the budding cricketer. If you’re looking to make your mark, remember: fitness can be your silent ally.

Start with the basics – endurance and strength training. Don’t be seduced by the glamour of the game; the path to cricketing excellence is paved with sweat and the occasional tear.

Engage in regular training, make those sprints, and hit the gym. After all, when you’re facing a quick bowler or need to convert a single into a double, your fit physique won’t just be for show—it could win you the game!

Cricket Formats and Fitness Demands

When it comes to cricket, not all formats are created equal—especially in the fitness arena.

Think of T20 cricket—the fast-paced, explosive sprint of the cricket world. Batters and bowlers need agility, speed, power, and some serious fast-twitch muscle responses.

Want to dash between the wickets or bolt to the boundary to make a save? Better have your quick moves ready!

Switch gears to One Day Internationals (ODIs). These matches are marathons compared to T20’s sprints.

Endurance takes center stage as players are on the field for up to 8 hours. They must maintain high concentration levels; a lapse could cost the game!

And then there’s the titan of patience and endurance—Test cricket. A true test (pun intended) of resilience, skill, and composure.

Imagine standing under the scorching sun for five days, meticulously placing each shot or consistently hitting the perfect line and length. Every muscle, sinew, and fiber must be primed for the long haul.

Batters in international cricket must balance explosive power with the finesse of a surgeon—muscling a six one minute, then deftly deflecting singles the next.

Bowlers? They’re like finely-tuned race cars, combining horsepower with handling—delivering thunderbolts at will and deceiving with magical swing.

So, what’s the takeaway? If you want to excel in cricket, regardless of the format, tailor your fitness to meet the format’s demands.

Blast through circuits for T20, endure the long run for ODIs, and remember, for Tests, becoming your mental and physical best is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

Diet and Conditioning in Cricket

Cricket is a game of skill and strategy, but it also depends on physical fitness and nutrition. Without them, star batters might as well swing at rainbows instead of cricket balls, and bowlers could be tossing marshmallows.

Balanced Nutrition
They say you can’t out-train a bad diet, and that’s Gospel truth in cricket. High-protein meals and a good whack of carbs become the best friends for players aiming to stay in peak condition.

But it’s not all about devouring chicken and rice; hydration plays a lead role too, especially in those sun-grilled test matches.

• Proteins: Lean meats, dairy, beans
• Carbohydrates: Whole grains, fruits, veggies
• Hydration: Water, electrolyte drinks

Conditioning Routines
Picture this: it’s the final over, the crowd’s gone wild, and the game hinges on the last ball. The bowler needs the stamina of a marathon runner combined with the explosive power of a sprinter. That’s where strength and conditioning come in.

They’re not just lifting weights—these routines are tailored to crafting cricketing demigods.

• Endurance: Cardio exercises, agility drills
• Strength: Weight training, resistance exercises
• Flexibility: Stretching, yoga

Avoiding the Extras
Imagine a cricketer waddling to the crease, belly full of beer and fried treats. Not quite the athlete’s image, right? Weight issues can throw a player’s game faster than a wrong’un from a top-class spinner.

So maintaining a disciplined diet, high in nutritious foods and low in pub snacks, keeps the players less round and more ground-bound.

Practical Tips: Ready to step up your game? Here are quick-fire tips that’ll turn couch potatoes into cricketing pros:

• Sip water, not beer—it’s the champion’s choice.
• Pack snacks like nuts and fruit instead of meat pies and sausage rolls.
• Leave the elevator love affair behind; take the stairs like a determined cricketer scaling the fitness charts.