For the first time, the T20 World Cup, starting on June 2, will feature 20 teams divided into four groups of five teams each. This ninth edition of the World Cup will likely be the last for many experienced and star cricketers.
Mahmudullah Riyad, who was dropped from the squad after captaining in the 2021 season, has made a royal comeback in this World Cup. This tournament in the West Indies and the United States is expected to be the last for this automatic choice player.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma is now 38 years old. Rohit, a member of the first World Cup-winning team, is likely to be seen representing Team India for the last time in a global tournament.
Virat Kohli might follow the same path. By the 2026 season, he will be 38. David Warner announced his retirement last year and is expected to retire from all formats of cricket after the World Cup.
Glenn Maxwell took a break in the middle of the IPL to improve his mental and physical health. There was doubt about his inclusion in the World Cup squad, but ultimately, this World Cup is set to be Maxwell’s last.
Andre Russell, the T20 journeyman, will play in the World Cup even though he is not a regular in the national team. Chances are slim that this all-rounder will be seen in the West Indies jersey after the World Cup.
However, English captain Jos Buttler does not share this regret. Besides Buttler, the world champions will miss cricketers like Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, and Adil Rashid after this tournament. South Africans Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi may also call it quits after this World Cup.
