The ICC Cricket World Cup, one of the most prestigious tournaments in cricket, comes around once every four years. Since 1975, there have been 12 editions of the ODI World Cup contested between some of the top cricketing nations in the world.
With the quadrennial nature of the “flagship event of the international cricket calendar,” only a select few cricketers have been able to represent their teams in the tournament. And the list of players who have competed in the ICC Cricket World Cup multiple times, isn’t long.
These players often try to leave their lasting legacy on the 50 overs cricket at the quadrennial spectacle, aiming to win the world title for their team and retire from the format immediately afterwards. With that, SportsTiger looks at five top cricketers who might play their last ODI World Cup in 2023, with an eye on bringing the trophy home.
1. Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes made his return to ODIs a couple of months ago, with the desire to play in the ODI World Cup 2023 for England, after retiring from the format in May of 2022. He played an instrumental role on the night of the final at Lord’s in London against New Zealand in 2019, to help England win their first ICC Cricket World Cup in history.
Regardless, the uncertainty from the 32-year-old in approaching ODI cricket in recent years, could mean that he plays his last ODI World Cup in 2023.
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2. Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson, one of the most instrumental cricketers in New Zealand in recent memory, has been plagued with multiple injuries in the last year or so. The 33-year-old is included in the ODI World Cup 2023 squad of the Blackcaps, but he is yet to take part in the professional cricket match, which has put some doubts over his availability in the initial fixture of the tournament.
The fitness issues for Kane Williamson could prompt him to limit his workload as a New Zealand player by leaving ODI cricket altogether after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
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3. Shakib Al Hasan
The premier all-rounder of Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan was given the reins of the national team in ODIs for the Asia Cup 2023, following the injury to their captain Tamim Iqbal. While the 36-year-old led his team to an emotional win against the Indians, the eventual champions of Asia, the aftermath has been far from rosy as far as ODI World Cup 2023 squad selections plans are concerned for Bangladesh.
Moreover, by the time the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 comes around, Shakib Al Hasan will be 40 years old, which will make it highly unlikely for him to play the tournament in four years’ time.
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4. Steve Smith
Steve Smith, the former ODI World Cup winner for Australia in 2015, hasn’t been a regular for the national team in the 50 overs format for years. The 34-year-old has hinted in his interviews that he would like to pursue the Test format above all else in international cricket as his career starts to wind down.
For the aforementioned reason, Steve Smith playing the ODI World Cup in 2023 for the last time ever, would be a safe statement to make.
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5. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is set to captain Team India in the ODI World Cup 2023, which is one of the greatest honour bestowed upon a cricketer from any country. But, for the 36-year-old, it comes with expectation from the Indian fans, who want to see the team win the elusive ICC trophy in more than a decade.
Irrespective of the result in the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023, there is a big chance that Rohit Sharma doesn’t turn up to play the next edition of the quadrennial spectacle, especially because of the age factor.
