In the high-stakes world of international cricket, few achievements rival representing one’s country at the T20 World Cup. Yet, a select group of players has turned this dream into an extraordinary feat by donning the colors of two different nations in the tournament. These globetrotting cricketers have navigated eligibility rules, personal choices, and career shifts to etch their names in history. Let’s dive into their remarkable stories.
Shehan Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankan all-rounder, first tasted World Cup action in 2016 playing for his homeland. Fast forward to the upcoming 2026 edition, and he’s secured a spot with the United States team. With 12 ODIs and 18 T20Is under his belt, including a List A half-century, Jayasuriya exemplifies adaptability in a format that rewards versatility.
At 41, Roelof van der Merwe remains a T20 specialist par excellence. He kicked off his international journey with South Africa, featuring in the 2009 and 2010 T20 World Cups. Switching allegiances to the Netherlands, he shone in 2016, 2021, and 2022 tournaments. Remarkably, van der Merwe is set to represent the Dutch again in 2026, proving age is no barrier in the shortest format.
Mark Chapman, the reliable left-handed batsman, began with Hong Kong in the 2014 and 2016 World Cups. His talent caught New Zealand’s eye, leading to a debut in the 2024 event where he solidified his middle-order role. Chapman’s journey from associate nation to Test powerhouse underscores the global appeal of T20 cricket.
Dirk Nannes brought his fiery pace to Australia for the 2009 T20 World Cup before joining the Netherlands in 2010. David Wiese, the South African-born pacer, played for his native land in 2016 and later excelled for Namibia in 2021, 2022, and 2024. Corey Anderson, the hard-hitting all-rounder, represented New Zealand in 2016 before relocating to the USA and featuring in their 2024 campaign.
These players highlight cricket’s evolving landscape, where passports change but passion endures. As the T20 World Cup grows, expect more such tales of dual representation, blending loyalty, opportunity, and sheer skill.