ICC World Cup 2019: 10 legends of the game who never won the trophy

Pictures of Clive Lloyd with the World Cup trophy in the Lord’s balcony in 1975, in black and white and not so high resolution, inspired a generation of other superstars around the world. The trophy, in no time, had turned the pinnacle of this sport and we all know the immortal story of a little kid in 1983 who got inspired from Kapil Devils’ heroics and eventually became the god of the sport.

For as long as the sport lives, these stories will give birth to superstars who not just make the country proud, but also contribute significantly to popularize the sport. This is a beautiful cycle that is bound to continue and the 2019 edition of the tournament might inspire kids who someday will be lifting the trophy for their country.

Well, not all of these inspired kids go on to reach the pinnacle. They do get close, their effort to get there wins hearts of many, but history will never recall them as World Cup winners. Some writers often describe the trophy to be unlucky to not get wrapped in the hands of some cricketers and honestly, it is not completely exaggerated.

Here are ten legendary cricketers who represented the side in various editions of cricket’s most elite tournament, but never won the prize, leaving a huge void in their trophy cabinet.

1. Brian Lara

When Sir Vivian Richards spotted a teenage sensation batting in a First-class game, he said that kid will be a legend. Well, that kid didn’t disappoint the great man and went on to become an enigma named Brian Charles Lara. Caribbean cricket had an identity for a long time, they were ruthless, relentless, stubborn and technically not so precise. Lara carried that legacy with poetic brilliance and cricket will forever be thankful for his sensational contribution.

Lara played his first World Cup in 1992 and represented the side in five editions overall, captaining the team once in 2007. His best finish with the team was reaching the semifinals in 1996 to the eventual runners Australia. He was one of the lone warriors who never received ample support from his team members. Despite all the glorious tales he inked with his willow, this was a story which never saw a happy ending.