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Some stars likely to retire after WC

Sunday, 2 June 2019


FE Sports Desk
While the biggest players like Mitchell Starc, Virat Kohli will find themselves on the posters of the campaign, there are a few who would be featuring in their last World Cup. The game might bid adieu to some of its veteran players after the tournament.
Many cricketers announce their retirement in the past World Cups. This year, some players have already decided to hang up their boots on the big stage.
Mashrafe Mortaza (Age: 35)
The veteran Bangladesh seamer is a heralded leader and a handy seamer with the new ball. The 2019 World Cup will be Mortaza's fourth in an 18-year long career. Once considered among the fastest bowlers Bangladesh have produced, constant injury troubles have hampered Mortaza's career.
In April this year, he was named as captain for the World Cup and will carry the hopes of a whole nation. He thrives as a leader and his captaincy will be key to Bangladesh's chances in the 10-team event.
Chris Gayle (Age: 39)
The Universe Boss has announced that the 2019 ODI World Cup would be his last although he would continue to play T20s for West Indies. A terrifying striker of the ball, 39-year-old Gayle has played in four successive World Cups from 2003.
Imran Tahir (Age: 40)
Imran Tahir has announced that he will retire from 50-over cricket after the 2019 World Cup, bringing an end to a short, yet memorable, career for South Africa in the ODI format.
JP Duminy (Age: 35)
After a few months on the sidelines nursing an injury, South Africa's utility all-rounder announced his decision to step away from the ODI format after the World Cup in England.
MS Dhoni (Age: 37)
India's World Cup-winning skipper is in the twilight of his career, and is likely to announce his retirement after the marquee event in England. Even if Dhoni decides to carry on playing ODIs, he is unlikely to be available four years later for the World Cup at home.
Dinesh Karthik (Age: 33)
Dinesh Karthik's career is 15 years long but the wicket-keeper batsman hasn't had the opportunity to play a World Cup match for India so far. He was part of the Rahul Dravid-led World Cup team that was ousted in the group stages of the 2007 World Cup, but did not get a game.
Hashim Amla (Age: 36)
A vital player for South Africa in ODIs, Amla's form nosedived close to the World Cup team announcement and his place in the 15-member team was itself in doubt. He was picked, however, and will have a chance to make a lasting impression before bowing out of the big stage.
Dale Steyn (Age: 35)
The veteran South African seamer made a roaring return to the Test and limited-overs sides after a lengthy injury break and with fast bowlers like Morne Morkel and Kyle Abbott taking up Kolpak deals, Steyn became a huge part of South Africa's World Cup plans in the lead up to the tournament.
Shoaib Malik (Age: 37)
Shoaib Malik made his debut in 1999, which makes 2019 his 20th year in international cricket. The veteran Pakistan middle-order batsman, however, hasn't had the luck to be a major part of any World Cup team. He has only ever played three World Cup games - all in 2007 - and will hope to make his final bow in 2019 an impressive one.
A brilliant enforcer in the middle and death overs, Malik's versatility makes him an indispensable player even at 37. A veteran of 282 ODIs, he has announced that the 2019 World Cup would be his swansong.