Cricket

List of Most Wickets in International Cricket (All Formats)

Muttiah Muralitharan leads the list with an astounding 1,347 wickets in international cricket across all formats. He is followed by Shane Warne with 1,001 wickets and Anil Kumble with 953 wickets. James Anderson and Wasim Akram also feature prominently among the top wicket-takers.

23 itemsUpdated Mar 13, 2026

The pantheon of international cricket's most prolific wicket-takers is a testament to sustained excellence, skill, and longevity. To claim over 900 wickets across Test, One-Day International, and Twenty20 formats is an extraordinary feat, placing these individuals in an elite category. Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan stands at the pinnacle with an astonishing 1,347 wickets, a record that underscores his unique talent and relentless consistency. Close behind, Australian leg-spin wizard Shane Warne amassed 1,001 wickets, revolutionizing spin bowling with his guile and charisma. India's Anil Kumble, with 953 wickets, demonstrated the power of accuracy and subtle variations, while Pakistan's Wasim Akram, with 916 wickets, exemplified the artistry of fast bowling. England's James Anderson, still active, has surpassed 950 wickets, showcasing remarkable endurance as a pace bowler. The presence of multiple spinners at the very top of this list highlights a common trend in international cricket: spinners often enjoy longer careers and bowl more overs, particularly in Test matches, allowing them to accumulate wickets at a higher rate. Muralitharan, Warne, and Kumble were masters of their craft, capable of turning matches on their head with their deceptive deliveries and strategic brilliance. Conversely, the physical demands on fast bowlers are immense, making the achievements of Wasim Akram and James Anderson even more remarkable. Akram's ability to swing the ball both ways at high pace made him one of the most feared bowlers of his era, while Anderson's unparalleled longevity and mastery of seam bowling in various conditions are a testament to his dedication and skill. These bowlers were not just wicket-takers; they were match-winners and legends who defined eras for their respective nations. Their impact extended beyond statistics, influencing generations of cricketers and captivating fans worldwide. The sheer volume of matches played and the consistent performance required to reach these milestones speak volumes about their mental fortitude and adaptability. In an evolving cricketing landscape, with the advent of T20 cricket and increasingly aggressive batting, the challenge for contemporary bowlers to emulate these colossal figures is immense. The ability to perform across all formats, adapting techniques and strategies, is a hallmark of these cricketing greats, solidifying their place as true titans of the game.

#	Name
1	Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 1,347 wickets Sri Lanka (1992–2011) The undisputed king of wickets, Muralitharan holds the record for the most wickets in both Test (800) and ODI (534) cricket. His magical off-spin and deceptive 'doosra' made him nearly unplayable, accumulating an astounding 1,347 international wickets across all formats.
2	Shane Warne (Australia) – 1,001 wickets Australia (1992–2007) Arguably the greatest leg-spinner of all time, Warne revolutionized spin bowling with his sharp turn and tactical genius. He finished his illustrious career with 1,001 international wickets, including 708 in Tests, and played a pivotal role in Australia's dominance.
3	Anil Kumble (India) – 953 wickets India (1990–2008) India's leading wicket-taker in international cricket, Kumble was a prolific leg-spinner known for his variations and relentless accuracy. He amassed 956 wickets across all formats, including 619 in Tests, and was the second bowler to take all ten wickets in a Test innings.
4	James Anderson (England) – 950+ wickets England (2003–2025) Considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, Anderson's remarkable longevity and skill allowed him to take 977 international wickets. He retired from Test cricket in July 2024 but his career spanned over two decades, primarily excelling in the longest format.
5	Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 916 wickets Pakistan (1984–2003) The 'Sultan of Swing', Akram was a left-arm fast bowler who masterfully utilized reverse swing and was a pioneer in ODI cricket. He took 916 international wickets and was the first bowler to achieve 400 and 500 wickets in the ODI format.
6	Stuart Broad (England) – 840+ wickets England (2007–2023) A prominent English fast-medium bowler, Broad was known for his impactful spells and ability to pick up wickets in clusters. He concluded his international career with 845 wickets, primarily in Test cricket, forming a formidable partnership with James Anderson.
7	Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 835 wickets Australia (1993–2007) A dominant Australian fast bowler, McGrath was renowned for his pinpoint accuracy and relentless line and length. He claimed 949 international wickets and holds the best bowling average among players with 300+ ODI wickets.
8	Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 755 wickets
9	Courtney Walsh (West Indies) – 753 wickets
10	Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 750+ wickets
11	Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 739 wickets
12	Brett Lee (Australia) – 718 wickets
13	Harbhajan Singh (India) – 711 wickets India (1998–2016) An off-spin bowler, Harbhajan Singh was a significant wicket-taker for India, particularly in Test cricket. He claimed 711 international wickets, known for his flight, turn, and the 'doosra'.
14	Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) – 705 wickets
15	Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 700+ wickets
16	Nathan Lyon (Australia) – 650+ wickets
17	Zaheer Khan (India) – 610 wickets
18	Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 550+ wickets
19	Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 550+ wickets
20	Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 400+ wickets
21	Shane Warne (Australia) – 708 wickets Australia (1992–2007) Arguably the greatest leg-spinner of all time, Warne revolutionized spin bowling with his sharp turn and tactical genius. He finished his illustrious career with 1,001 international wickets, including 708 in Tests, and played a pivotal role in Australia's dominance.
22	Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 949 wickets Australia (1993–2007) A dominant Australian fast bowler, McGrath was renowned for his pinpoint accuracy and relentless line and length. He claimed 949 international wickets and holds the best bowling average among players with 300+ ODI wickets.
23	Dale Steyn (South Africa) – 439 wickets

This list is compiled from verified public records and reference sources. Last verified: March 13, 2026.

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