Cricket World Cup 2019: 5 oldest players who will be featuring in this edition of the tournament

As we inch closer to the twelfth edition of Cricket World Cup, each team is busy girding up its loins to face the barriers that lie ahead. Quite undeniably, the world cup has paramount importance in the cricketing fraternity, thus being the holy grail for each cricketer. Many have devoted their entire careers in pursuit of it though still unable to cherish the memory of laying their hands on the glittering trophy.

This edition will also be featuring a number of old-timers who, most probably, will be enjoying the spectacle for one last time. Needless to say, these players are massive assets for their respective teams who can help them thrive in clutch situations by virtue of experience and maturity. Not only they will be needed to guide the youngsters and debutants, but their advice will also come in handy for the captains (assuming they are not at the helm already).

Having said that, let's take a look at the 5 oldest players to appear in the upcoming Cricket World Cup.

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#5 Shoaib Malik - Pakistan

Pakistan v New Zealand - 3rd One Day International

Currently the linchpin in Pakistan's batting lineup, Shoaib Malik's role in the squad has continuously evolved throughout his career. In the upcoming World Cup, he will be a key figure in the Pakistani team.

In case of a top order collapse, the onus will be on him to rebuild the squad. Otherwise, he will be seen capping off the innings via his signature strokes. He can also fulfill the role of the 6th bowler in the team for Sarfaraz having proven helpful with the ball quite a couple of times.

When the World Cup gets under way on 30 May 2019, Malik will be 37 years 118 days old.

#4 MS Dhoni - India

India v Australia - ODI Series: Game 1

The man who finished off the 2011 World Cup final in his trademark style with a phenomenal six will now be playing his fourth and probably the last (as per the circumstances) World Cup for the Men in Blue. However, this time, he will not be captaining the side as that responsibility will been shouldered by Virat Kohli.

However, he will play an instrumental role in directing the bowlers from behind the stumps and help out skipper Kohli in crunch situations. Given his top run with the bat off-late, MS Dhoni's contribution with the blade will also be of vital importance going into the mega tournament.

Yet, it's his maturity, experience galore, equanimity, tactical knowledge and unremitting fitness that might compensate for any of his shortcomings.

Speaking of his age, the maestro will be 37 years 327 days old at the start of the World Cup.

#3 Mohammad Hafeez - Pakistan

Hafeez will have a big role to play

Although going into the World Cup Pakistan has one of the most youngest squads overall, two Pakistani stars have already made this list. Their place in the roster has been cemented primarily for the purpose of steering the unseasoned blood in the right direction as many of them will be experiencing the extravaganza for the first time.

Nicknamed as 'The Professor', Hafeez's career has been characterized by several highs and lows. However, despite the hiccups - particularly the three-time suspension for an illegal bowling action - it has been his ability to rise like a phoenix from the ashes that has made him what he is today.

His role in the Pakistani team will be similar to that of Shoaib Malik - binding the middle order together with his astute strokemaking and occasionally providing help with the ball as and when needed.

He will be 38 years 225 days old when the World Cup kicks off in a few days.

#2 Chris Gayle - West Indies

West Indies v New Zealand – ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Warm Up

Having amassed over 10000 runs in the 289 matches he has played for the Caribbean side in the ODI format, Gayle has announced that he will retire after the conclusion of this World Cup.

Gayle is not the type of player principally known for his technique or footwork but he has got numerous other skills to make up for it. He is recognized as the epitome of power-hitting in cricket, which is good enough to cast fear in the hearts of even the finest bowlers the sport has ever witnessed.

There's no denying that if West Indies are to make the cut for the semi-finals or progress further, it will largely be determined by the form of this marauding opener at the top of the order for West Indies.

As for his age, he will be 39 years 251 days old on 30 May.

#1 Imran Tahir - South Africa

Can Tahir lead his team to a maiden title triumph?

It is extremely hard to believe that Imran Tahir is the oldest player in the tournament. After all, every aspect of his game belies his age, not least his wild carefree celebration that exudes passion rivaled by few.

In the imminent World Cup, he will be the mainstay of South Africa's bowling lineup. Tahir is an excellent wicket-taker who boasts the ability to provide crucial breakthroughs that may tip the scales in South Africa's favour. In the clutch, Faf du Plessis may exploit his skills to break partnerships and send set batsmen back to the pavilion.

He will enter the competition on the back of his incredible showings in the IPL - as he managed 26 scalps in 17 matches while turning out for the Chennai Super Kings. Though he could not inspire CSK to another IPL title, his heroics helped him claim the Purple Cap.

On 30 May, the Pakistan-born leg-spinner will turn 40 years 64 days old but can be expected to produce his energy-filled celebrations.