It is the aspiration of almost every cricketer to play in the ODI World Cup. However, with ICC reducing the tournament to a 10-team event, the opportunities for several cricketers have reduced. Amidst this, considering their careers, a few players switch nations. Had they stuck with their first nation, probably, a few of them could have been a part of the upcoming ODI World Cup. On that note, here, we take a look at two cricketers who could have played in the 2023 ODI World Cup if they had not changed nations recently.
1) David Wiese (South Africa to Namibia)
Yes, David Wiese in the wrong side of his age but he would have not been the oldest, anyway, if he had been picked for the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Proteas have a strong squad but they are missing the services of a genuine all-rounder.
Marco Jansen might have to operate at No.7 but there is not much confidence about his batting skills for this role. Aiden Markram offers more with the bat and may not be a reliable all-rounder. On the other hand, South Africa has not picked a genuine all-rounder, more because there are not lot many options in the reserves. Maybe, considering the form and the balance he provides, Wiese could have been considered had he not become a Namibia cricketer.
2) Michael Rippon (Netherlands to New Zealand)
Michael Rippon is one of the cricketers who could have played in the 2023 ODI World Cup if they had not changed nations recently. A right-hand batter and a left-arm wrist-spinner, Rippon moved to New Zealand recently.
While New Zealand is a part of the ODI WC, the competition for places is intense and as expected, Rippon missed out. In the qualifiers held a few months ago, the Netherlands surprised many by reaching the tournament. If Rippon had not switched his nation, he would have surely been in the squad to play in India.
