5 Players who could be playing their last World Cup in 2019

The World Cup is undoubtedly the biggest tournament in the game of cricket. It becomes more exciting when the teams across the world fight for the coveted trophy because it happens once every four years.

The last edition of the World Cup was held in 2015 in Australia and New Zealand. Steve Smith-led Australia destroyed New Zealand in the finals to clinch the trophy. After 20 years, the World Cup will be played in England in 2019.

With the tournament is around the corner, the teams have started preparing for the World Cup. Each and every team would look to crack the code to touch the trophy. During the upcoming World Cup, a number of youngsters and experienced cricketers will be on a show.

But, for many of them, it will be their last World Cup tournament. In our article, we take a look at the five players who could play their last World Cup in 2019.

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#5 Imran Tahir

South Africa v Pakistan - 1st Momentum One Day International

The leg break bowler from South Africa, Imran Tahir made his entry into the South African team at the age of 32. He became a citizen of the country in 2011 and then he wore the national team jersey.

Tahir made his international debut for Proteas against West Indies during the 2011 World Cup. Since then he never looked back and he is one of the consistent performers for the South African team across all formats of the game.

He is one of the few players who played Under-19 cricket for Pakistan and international cricket for another country. He is expected to lead the spin department of the South African team in the upcoming World Cup. With the age is not on his side, the 2019 World Cup might be his last for South Africa.

#4 MS Dhoni

Australia v India - ODI: Game 3

The former Indian skipper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is arguably one of the most successful players in the game of cricket. He came into limelight when he made his international debut with a long hair in 2004.

Under his captaincy, the Indian team lifted the inaugural T20I World Cup in 2007. He also led the Indian team to clinch the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. Dhoni announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2014 when no one expected.

In January 2017, he resigned his captaincy and is currently playing under the leadership of Virat Kohli. He is likely to act as a wicket-keeper batsman during the upcoming World Cup.

He will cross 38 by the end of World Cup tournament that will be his last for his country though he is one of the fittest players in the current Indian team. It won't be a surprise if he bid adieu to cricket at the end of the tournament.

#3 Lasith Malinga

New Zealand v Sri Lanka - ODI Game 3

The right-arm pacer from Sri Lanka, Lasith Malinga is likely to play his last World Cup tournament in 2019. Malinga, who known for his curly hair and unorthodox bowling action, could bowl toe-crushing yorkers at a very high speed.

He made his international debut in 2004 and has been an important member of the team since then. He has taken 318 wickets from 213 ODIs, 101 wickets from 30 Tests and 94 wickets from 70 T20Is.

Since his debut, Sri Lanka reached two World Cup finals and two World T20I finals but they went on to lose all four games. In 2014, he replaced Dinesh Chandimal as skipper and helped his country to win the 2014 T20I World Cup.

Even though he is just 35, he has not been in good touch. Sri Lanka would look to win this tournament for him as it will likely be his last.

#2 Shoaib Malik

Pakistan v New Zealand - 3rd One Day International

Shoaib Malik is one of the handy all-rounders Pakistan have produced. The right-handed batsman made his international debut in 1999. He has been an important member of the current Pakistan team.

Malik, who appeared in 276 ODIs for his country, has played a lot of match-winning knocks for Pakistan. He is one of the few players who could play long and win matches for his team.

He announced his retirement from the longest format of the game in 2015 and continues to play in the limited-overs format. As he has immense experience at international cricket, he could play a vital role for his country during the upcoming mega tournament.

He will cross 37 even before the start of the event and it will likely be his last for Pakistan even though age is just a number. He would look to end his cricketing career with a good note.

#1 Chris Gayle

New Zealand v West Indies - 3rd ODI

The tall player from West Indies, Chris Gayle is one of the destructive openers the game has ever seen. He could destroy any bowling line-up in the world. He is still considered to be a nightmare for any bowler in the world.

Gayle is arguably one of the most successful cricketers West Indies have produced. He has scored more than 18,000 runs in his international career. He also holds the record of the fastest double century in ODIs.

The three-time World Cup champions had to play the Qualifiers to qualify for the 2019 World Cup and Gayle was the one who helped them to qualify.

He will cross 40 by the end of the tournament and may hang his boots after that. Moreover, he previously informed that the 2019 World Cup in England will be his last. One can expect a retirement from him post the World Cup.