5 players who might be playing their last World Cup in 2021

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International cricket is finally getting prepared for its first T20 World Cup since the 2016 edition which was held in India. The mega event, which was scheduled for last year in Australia had to be postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are still doubts over the venue of the tournament, it is confirmed that the event will happen in October-November in either India or any other venue.

While the fans would be delighted to see all the cricketing superstars back at the biggest stage once again, they might well be watching few players playing their last World Cup. While there is another T20 WC in 2022, the teams are expected to go with those players next year who will also be in their plans for 2023 ODI World Cup. Check out the list of five players who might hang up their boots after this year's marquee event.

1. Imran Tahir

The leg-spinner has been a great servant for South African cricket and has been phenomenal for them over the years. Tahir has played 38 T20Is for the country and has scalped 63 wickets at an impressive economy of 6.73 in his illustrious career. While he is a free-agent right now, Graeme Smith had hinted at the possible inclusion of Tahir for the upcoming T20 WC. However, the 42-year-old might end his international career post that, with Proteas undergoing a transition.

2. Chris Gayle

The self-proclaimed Universe Boss is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in world cricket, especially when it comes to T20 format. Gayle has played 61 T20Is for West Indies and has amassed 1656 runs at a strike rate of 140.8. As the Windies side look to defend their title this year, they might want his services for the last time before they look at their plans for next two years. With Gayle being in the twilight of his international career, the fans might see his destruction for one last time in 2021 WC.

3. Mohammad Hafeez

The 40-year all-rounder has been the most consistent players of Pakistan over the years. Hafeez has been carrying the burden of his side on his shoulders, having scored 2388 runs in 106 T20Is for his country. With Pakistan looking to build a new-look side for next few years with such a talented pool of cricketers, the veteran cricketer might well be donning the green cap for the last time in this year's World Cup.

4. Ross Taylor

The Kiwi veteran has been one of the most consistent stars in limited-overs cricket in the last decade. Taylor has been smashing runs for fun in the last few years, having scored 1909 runs in 102 matches in T20Is. With New Zealand also moving forward towards a young-look side in future, it might just be the last opportunity for fans to witness the brilliance of Taylor at the biggest stage in international cricket.

5. Lasith Malinga

The Sri Lankan legend was recently in the news after it was reported that he might well be in the plans to feature in the 2021 World Cup. Malinga has been one of the best bowlers in this format for quite some time, with 107 wickets in 84 matches. While the fans would certainly be delighted to see the veteran bowl those lethal yorkers once again for the island nation, it might well be the last international mega event of his amazing career.