5 World-class Asian cricketers who could be playing their last World Cup
A little over 4 months remain for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Cricket's biggest tournament will be hosted by Wales and England this time around. The anticipation has already started to build for the event which witnesses the most scintillating display with both bat and ball from all the participating countries.
Ten teams will be vying against each other for the coveted trophy. The format has been changed and a single round-robin format will be followed initially post which the top 4 teams will make it to the semi-finals, and winners of the semi-finals will progress to the final. Such a format was last followed during the 1992 Cricket World Cup.
Many greats are remembered for helping their teams to victories during the World Cup. The upcoming edition of the World Cup is no exception and will see some of the finest cricketing legends in action. These are the senior players who bring in the much-needed experience in their sides and act as vital cogs on the pitch.
However, it might just be the last World Cup for some of these players. In this article, we specifically focus on some world-class Asian cricketers for whom it will, in all likelihood, be the last World Cup. In fact, some of these legends might just pull the plug on their careers altogether post the mega cricket extravaganza.
#5 Mashrafe Mortaza (Bangladesh)
Mashrafe Mortaza of Bangladesh has had a long and illustrious career. Despite facing many injury setbacks, the bowling all-rounder has many records to his name.
The 'Narail Express,' as he is popularly known, has made 202 appearances (the most by a player) for the Tigers. He has also made the maximum appearances (70) as captain of the national team. With 258 wickets in 202 ODIs, Mortaza also holds the record for being Bangladesh's highest wicket-taker in the format.
The potent speedster has represented the nation in 36 Tests (picking up 78 wickets) and 54 T20Is (picking up 42 wickets) as well. The 35-year-old has proven his worth as an effective lower order batsman.
Mortaza represented Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL in the past, and 3 teams in the Bangladesh Premier League - namely Dhaka Gladiators, Comilla Victorians, and Rangpur Riders.
The Bangladeshi player is currently playing for the Rangpur Riders in the BPL and has given some useful performances for the team, picking up 8 wickets in the previous 5 matches.
With age not on his side, the 2019 World Cup might just be the last for the quintessential bowler.