World Cup swansong awaits top cricketers

Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) Some of the top names in worldcricket -- Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, MuttiahMuralitharan and Ricky Ponting -- would love to make thisWorld Cup a memorable one for themselves as this could well bethe last time they are playing in cricket''s showpiece event.

While Sri Lankan legend Muralitharan (38) has alreadyannounced his retirement from international cricket after thetournament, Indian batting icon Tendulkar (37), South Africanall-rounder Kallis (35) and Australian skipper Ponting (36)are unlikely to make it to the next World Cup to be played in2015.

Ponting (1999, 2003 and 2007 -- last two as skipper) andMuralitharan (1996) have already been part of World Cupwinning squads and would be keen to lift the coveted trophyone more time.

Tendulkar, who is set to become the only other cricketer,apart from former Pakistani player Javed Miandad to appearin six World Cups, owns almost all the important landmarks inOne-day International cricket but would definitely not like tohave a record of playing in the most World Cups withoutwinning even one.

Kallis, too, would be desperate to win the World Cup,missing from his illustrious career.

Meanwhile, Tendulkar may not be the only player, Indiawould lose before the next World Cup.

Given the spate of injuries, even flamboyant openerVirender Sehwag and pace spearhead Zaheer Khan (who would be36 in 2015) may not feature in the next World Cup. (MORE) PTIVKV SSR CM