The 13th edition of the prestigious ICC Cricket ODI World Cup 2023 is drawing near, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the exciting showdown. The defending champions, England, are poised to take on New Zealand in the opening game on October 5, while all ten participating teams are in the final stages of their preparations, complete with warm-up matches. Team India, on the other hand, is gearing up to launch their campaign against Australia on October 8.
One of the most captivating elements of this World Cup edition is the presence of seasoned players, many of whom may be making their final appearance on this grand stage. Despite their age, these players remain invaluable assets to their respective teams.
Guiding the Next Generation
These veteran players don’t just display their skills on the field; they also serve as mentors and leaders within their squads. They play a vital role in guiding young talents, offering mentorship, and instilling a winning mentality. Their experience and wisdom shine through during crucial moments, as their teams look to them for guidance and inspiration.
As the tournament unfolds, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on these seasoned campaigners. Fans will eagerly watch their performances, hoping for one last magical moment or a career-defining innings. These players have left an indelible mark on cricketing history, and their contributions to their teams are immeasurable.
While the quadrennial event promises to showcase young talent and thrilling cricket, it also pays tribute to these cricketing stalwarts who have enriched the sport with their presence and leadership over the years. As they step onto the field, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of their teams and fans, aiming to leave an indelible mark on this prestigious tournament.
The Oldest Warriors in the 10-Nation Tournament
Let’s take a look at the oldest players from each of the ten participating teams in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023:
(Netherlands) – Wesley Barresi
- Date of Birth: May 3, 1984
- Age: 39 years, 149 days
- ODI Debut: July 1, 2010 vs. Scotland
At the age of 39 years and 149 days, Wesley Barresi is the eldest player set to participate in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. This seasoned Dutch batter boasts a cricketing journey spanning over a decade, and his experience and skills will be crucial for the Netherlands in the upcoming tournament.
Barresi made his international debut in 2010 and has since represented the Netherlands in 45 ODIs. His enduring commitment to the game reflects his dedication and passion for cricket. This won’t be Barresi’s first appearance on the grand stage of the World Cup; he was also part of the Netherlands’ squad in the 2011 World Cup. Returning to the World Cup arena after more than a decade, Barresi brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and pressures that come with representing his country in a global tournament.
(Afghanistan) – Mohammad Nabi
- Date of Birth: January 1, 1985
- Age: 38 years, 271 days
- ODI Debut: April 19, 2009 vs. Scotland
(Afghanistan) – Mahmudullah
- Date of Birth: February 4, 1986
- Age: 37 years, 237 days
- ODI Debut: July 25, 2007 vs. Sri Lanka
(India) – Ravichandran Ashwin
- Date of Birth: September 17, 1986
- Age: 37 years, 12 days
- ODI Debut: January 5, 2010 vs. Zimbabwe
(Australia) – David Warner
- Date of Birth: October 27, 1986
- Age: 36 years, 337 days
- ODI Debut: January 18, 2009 vs. South Africa
(England) – Moeen Ali
- Date of Birth: June 18, 1987
- Age: 36 years, 103 days
- ODI Debut: February 28, 2014 vs. West Indies
(Sri Lanka) – Dimuth Karunaratne
- Date of Birth: April 21, 1988
- Age: 35 years, 161 days
- ODI Debut: July 9, 2011 vs. England
(New Zealand) – Tim Southee
- Date of Birth: December 11, 1988
- Age: 34 years, 292 days
- ODI Debut: July 15, 2008 vs. England
(South Africa) – Rassie van der Dussen
- Date of Birth: February 7, 1989
- Age: 34 years, 234 days
- ODI Debut: January 19, 2019 vs. Pakistan
(Pakistan) – Iftikhar Ahmed
- Date of Birth: September 3, 1990
- Age: 33 years, 26 days
- ODI Debut: November 13, 2015 vs. England
As the World Cup approaches, these seasoned players are set to leave their mark, adding to the grandeur of the tournament.
