The Big Bash League (BBL) has been a showcase for some of the best cricket talent around the world, particularly for those players who have managed to extend their careers well into their later years. Among the myriad of players who have donned various team colors, three stand out for their longevity and their contributions to the league’s rich tapestry. These players are Brad Hogg, Shane Warne, and Brad Hodge, each bringing a unique style and legacy to the BBL.
Brad Hogg
Brad Hogg holds the distinction of being the oldest player to ever feature in a BBL match. His last game was for the Melbourne Renegades against the Adelaide Strikers on January 22, 2018, when he was 46 years and 350 days old. Hogg’s presence in cricket, especially in T20 formats, was marked by his infectious enthusiasm and his unique bowling style. Known for his left-arm wrist spin, or ‘chinaman’ bowling, Hogg’s ability to bamboozle batsmen with his flippers and googlies made him a fan favorite. Over his 60-match BBL career, he managed to secure 61 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.63.
His career didn’t end with the BBL; Hogg also holds the record for being the oldest player in the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for Kolkata Knight Riders at the age of 45 years and 92 days. His journey in cricket serves as a testament to the fact that age is just a number when passion and skill are in play.
Shane Warne
Shane Warne, often celebrated as one of the greatest spin bowlers in the history of cricket, is second on our list. Warne played his last BBL match on January 16, 2013, for the Melbourne Stars at the ripe age of 43 years and 125 days. Known for his leg-spin that baffled many a batsman with its flight, turn, and variations like the leg break and the wrong’un, Warne’s contribution to the BBL was significant despite his relatively short stint. He appeared in 15 matches across two seasons, taking 11 wickets. Warne’s presence in the BBL was not just about his bowling; it was also about the charisma and leadership he brought to the Melbourne Stars.
Brad Hodge
Brad Hodge, played his last game for Melbourne Renegades on January 22, 2018. On the day he appeared for the final time in the Big Bash League for the franchise Melbourne Renegades at the age of 43 years and 24 days old. In his final match he scored 30 off 18 balls where his aggressive intent was seen by hitting 3 sixes and a four in his 30 runs knock. Playing 50 matches he scored 1412 runs with a strike rate of 134.34
Dan Christian’s Return
In more recent news from 2025, Dan Christian, a versatile all-rounder, made headlines by returning to the BBL field on January 6, 2025, at the age of 41 years and 247 days. After retiring following the 2022/23 season with the Sydney Sixers and taking up a role as an assistant coach with the Sydney Thunder, Christian was called back due to injuries in the squad. His performance in the match against Brisbane Heat, where he scored an unbeaten 23 off 15 balls and took a wicket, highlighted his undiminished capabilities and added another chapter to the narrative of veteran players in the BBL.
The stories of these players illustrate not only the enduring appeal of cricket but also how the BBL has been a platform where experience can still shine brightly, offering lessons in resilience, skill, and the joy of the game to new generations of players and fans alike.