ICC World Cup 2019: 5 International cricketing legends to say goodbye after the marquee event 

In less than a hundred days from now, the most awaited cricketing event, the ICC World Cup 2019 will commence at the home of cricket ‘England’. As always, top teams will come together and compete against each other for the most invaluable trophy. Without a doubt, the event will be a cricketing extravaganza for fan across the globe.

Along with loads of joy and excitement, this very edition of the mega tournament will also bring along some sadness amongst crickets fans. Like every beautiful thing come to end, the event will bring the curtains down on the most illustrious cricketing careers.

Unfortunately, it will be the very last time the fans will witness the magic of these cricket legends on an international scene however interestingly, some may actually continue to play T20Is. Here is a look at some such players.

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#1 Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle

Just a day before yesterday, the most destructive batsman across any format, the West Indian opener, Chris Gayle announced his retirement from ODIs post the ICC World Cup 2019. In his very usual flamboyance, he stated: “I'm looking to draw the line - or should I say cut the string - let the youngsters have some fun and I can sit back in the party stand."

The 39-years-old Jamaican debuted way back in 1999 against India and with almost two decades of International cricket, he is today one of the most successful batsmen in the West Indies cricketing history. In 284 ODIs till date, the free-stroking batsman has amassed 9727 runs, just behind by another legend Brian Lara by 678 runs, to become the highest run-getter for West Indies.

Also, he is the only West Indian to score a double century in an ODI (215 against Zimbabwe). In the past few years, the well-built player has not been a regular feature in ODIs and has instead joined various T20 leagues around the world due to differences with cricket board. However, he is certain to play the ICC World Cup and it will be a delight to watch him play once again one very last time.

Without a doubt, not just the West Indies but the world cricket will miss him on the international arena (ODIs) however it appears that he will continue to play the shortest format (T2OIs). If lucky, we may get to witness his cricketing excellence in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2020.

#2 Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik

Another cricketing legend who has announced his retirement, last year June from ODIs post ICC World Cup 2019 but expressed his desire to continue to play T20Is, Shoaib Malik. The 37-year-old Pakistan’s veteran stated “The 2019 World Cup is my last event of the 50-over cricket. I will try to play T20 cricket if I continue to stay fit and put up performances" at a press conference.

In 1999, when this legend started his cricketing journey as an off-spinner, not many would have predicted him to transform into the backbone of Pakistan batting unit over a span of two decades. Today, the prolific run scorer (7379 runs) has played at every batting slot in ODIs (279) starting from the opener down until No.10.

His excellent performances over the years earned him the leadership responsibilities however the stint didn’t last long (18 months) and ended with a humiliating loss to Sri Lanka. To make it even worse, the player was even banned for few months siting difference with other senior team members.

Today, the senior campaigner provides the much-needed stability in the middle order to the very aggressive Pakistan batting line up and will certainly play a vital role once again with his experience in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019.

#3 Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn

The 35-year-old South African veteran, Dale Steyn may just announce his retirement post the ICC World Cup 2019. In an interview a while ago, the fiery pace bowler was quoted saying ‘I will be trying to get to that World Cup but after the World Cup, I don’t see myself playing white ball cricket for South Africa. By the time, the next World Cup comes, I will be 40’.

Despite the nation producing excellent bowlers over the years like Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, this player did not only make a mark for himself but became one of best of all times for South Africa. Unfortunately, the player has been plagued by a series of injuries since 2013 (groin strain, rib fracture, hamstring strains, shoulder injury) and therefore, could not really play for South Africa consistently.

After the recovery, he appears to have gain complete fitness once again and is certainly in the scheme of things for ICC World Cup 2019. Cricket fans will not only hope Dale Steyn to stay fit throughout the tournament but also, to showcase his cricketing excellence with a white ball on bouncy English pitches.

#4 Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga

Another cricketing legend, the Sri Lankan pace bowler, Lasith Malinga is most likely to announce his retirement post the ICC World Cup 2019. Almost 15 years back, the islander hit the international scene with his unorthodox but very effective bowling style that took the cricketing world by a pleasant surprise especially considering the fact that he came from a land traditionally known to encourage spin bowling.

He was Sri Lankan answer to Shoaib Akhter, Brett Lee, Dale Steyn. Over the years, the pacer has stamped his authority over the world cricket primarily for his Yorkers in the death overs and clinching hat tricks. In fact, he became the 1st and the only bowler up until now to take three hat-tricks in ODI cricket (Aug’11).

Unfortunately, the 34-year-old player went through his share of injuries starting 2008 (back injury, knee injury, ankle issues) and consequently, had several comebacks in his cricketing journey. However, unfortunately, he could never regenerate the same charisma again with consistency. Over a period of time, his bowling speed slowed down considerably, he gained some additional pounds and eventually, became a burden on the field.

And just when everyone thought that his international career was over, the man made yet another comeback to the International arena in Asia Cup 2018 but this occasion looked much fitter than before. In fact, the poor Sri Lankan form made the selectors hand him over the responsibility of leading the Sri Lankan side. By the looks of things, it appears that he will lead the side into the ICC World Cup 2019 and without a doubt, he would want to end his career on a high by winning the prestigious trophy.

#5 Mahendra Singh Dhoni

MS Dhoni

Cricket fanatic nation, India has some produced some great cricketing legends over the years – Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, and MS Dhoni is certainly one amongst them. Not only for a fact, that he is the best wicket-keeper in the world with his agility behind the stumps or was once recognized the best finisher of the game with his perfect fusion of calm mind and hard-hitting last over strikes but more for the way, he took the Indian cricket forward.

Under his leadership, Team India won every ICC trophy – the Inaugural ICC World T20 2007, ICC World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013 – the only captain across the world to achieve this feat.

In the recent time, the 37-year-old veteran’s place has been questioned primarily for his below-par batting performance however the team management has rightfully shown faith in the legend through the turbulence and will certainly play the ICC World Cup 2019.

Though there has not been any official announcement yet, it is highly anticipated the legend may just call it quits post the mega event. Many fans hope to watch him play up until T20 World Cup 2020 but it looks very unlikely. Nevertheless, whenever the announcement happens, without a doubt, it will be a sad day for Indian cricket.