Ten Players Who Could be Playing their Last World Cup in 2019
Published - 13 Jun 2018, 09:52 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:52 PM
The 2019 World Cup is one year away. The biggest cricket carnival will be played in England and Wales. Top ten teams of the world will fight it out for glory in the 12th edition of the ICC World Cup.
However, it is a dream of every player to do well in the most coveted trophy of the cricketing world. Meanwhile, many players could be playing their final World Cup as well.
Thus, we take a look at these players who might play the ODI showpiece for the last time.
Ten Players Who Could be Playing their Last World Cup in 2019.
Mohammad Hafeez
Mohammad Hafeez has turned 37-years old. Thus, the Pakistan veteran batsman might play his last World Cup tournament. Hafeez has played 200 matches for the Men in Green.
The right-hander has scored 6107 runs thus far for the Pakistan team. However, there are always questions marks over his bowling action. Therefore, he will not be able to contribute with the ball.
Shoaib Malik
Another Pakistan experienced batsman can bid adieu to the game after the World Cup.
Shoaib Malik is currently 36-years old. Thus, he would not like to take ground in the 2023 World Cup when he will be 41-years old.
The all-rounder has played 261 matches for the Men in Green. Malik has amassed 6975 runs in the 50-overs format. Furthermore, the right-hander off-spinner has taken 154 wickets for the Pakistan team.
Aaron Finch can turn out in the World Cup for the last time in the Australian colours. The Australian batsman is 31-years old, and thus he might play his final World Cup in 2019.
The combative right-hander has scored 3201 runs for the Australian team in 89 One Day matches. However, Finch is not at the top of his fitness. Consequently, he could be left out of the side.
Hashim Amla
Hashim Amla is a great servicer of the South African cricket. However, the talisman batsman has turned 35-years old. Thus, Amla will like to fulfil his World Cup dream in England.
The veteran Proteas batsman has gathered 7535 runs in the 164 ODIs he has played for his team. Thus, he would like to deliver his best performance in the upcoming World Cup which could be last.
Imran Tahir
Proteas Imran Tahir had scalped 15 wickets in the previous World Cup in 2015. Therefore, the leg-spinner will like to repeat his performance in the upcoming World Cup.
However, Tahir has turned 39-years old which means next year tournament will be his last. Thus, Tahir will like to be instrumental in South Africa’s success.
Faf du Plessis
The South African skipper Faf du Plessis might also play his last World Cup. The Proteas captain has turned 33-years old. However, du Plessis is still fit as a fiddle.
The right-hander has scored 4379 runs in the 117 One-Dayers he has played. Thus, he would like to take South Africa to World Cup glory under his tenure as captain.
Angelo Matthews
Angelo Mathews has battled with a plethora of injuries in the last two years. Thus, it raises questions marks over his participation in the World Cup of 2023 which will be held five years down the line.
The Sri Lankan skipper has accumulated 5107 runs in the 196 matches he has played for his team. However, Mathews will like to sort out his injury woes before the coveted tournament of 2019.
Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle is definitely playing his last World Cup for the Windies. Gayle is currently 38-years old. Moreover, he is not at the top of his fitness.
Meanwhile, Gayle was instrumental in getting Windies to the World Cup, as he played some crucial knocks in the Qualifiers. The combative southpaw opener has played 281 matches in which he has scored 9585 runs.
Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn has also battled a lot of injuries in the last two years. Steyn is a quality fast bowler who has had his issues with the growing injuries.
However, Dale would like to give a last shot at the World Cup in 2019. Steyn has scalped 180 wickets in the 116 matches he has played for the Proteas. Stern has turned 34-years old.
MS Dhoni
There were doubts over the participation of MS Dhoni for the 2019 World Cup. However, the former Indian skipper was able to smash all the rumours for a massive six.
Consequently, Dhoni was able to return to form in the recently concluded IPL.
Dhoni has achieved all but everything in the books. Thus, Dhoni experience will be vital for the Indian team. The wicketkeeper-batsman has turned 36-years old. However, Dhoni is a livewire on the field and still going fit.
Dhoni has scored 9967 runs in the 318 One Day Internationals for the Men in Blue.