Who Is Aamir Kaleem? Oman Star Creates Historic Record In Colombo

Oman all rounder Aamir Kaleem created history in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by becoming the oldest player to feature in the tournament.

The milestone came during Oman’s Group B match against Zimbabwe at the SSC Ground in Colombo on Monday.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to bowl first. Oman batted under lights with an experienced line up that included several long serving players.

Kaleem stepped onto the field at the age of 44 years and 81 days. With this, he became the oldest player to participate in a Men’s T20 World Cup match.

He surpassed former Hong Kong captain Ryan Campbell, who had played at 44 years and 30 days during the 2016 T20 World Cup.

The record comes in the backdrop of the expanded 20 team format, which has allowed more associate nations to compete on the global stage.

Who is Aamir Kaleem

Syed Aamir Kaleem was born on November 20, 1981, in Karachi, Pakistan. He is a left handed batter and a slow left arm orthodox bowler.

He gained Omani citizenship in 2010 and made his international debut during the ACC Trophy Elite tournament. Kaleem was part of Oman’s squad in their first T20 World Cup appearance in 2016. He has also featured in Asia Cup qualifiers and World Cup campaigns.

Career numbers and recent performances

Kaleem has played 15 ODIs and has taken 18 wickets while scoring 160 runs. In T20 Internationals, he has claimed 48 wickets in 54 matches and scored 718 runs at a strike rate of 112.53, including two half centuries.

During the 2025 Asia Cup, he picked up five wickets in three matches. In a World Cup warm up match against Sri Lanka A, he scored 80 runs off 47 balls.

Kaleem’s appearance at the age of 44 marks a significant moment for associate nation cricket in the T20 World Cup.