Many cricketers in the cricketing world have made a name for themselves because of their exceptional skills and talent. They have had great achievements in this field but have never been part of any team that has won an ICC trophy. Some of the cricketers who have had great careers but have never been part of a team that has won an ICC trophy are as follows.
1. Sir Ian Botham – England
Sir Ian Botham is one of the best fast-bowling all-rounders who has been part of the English cricket team. He played a significant role in his side’s Ashes series victory in 1981. Such was his performance in that series that it led to that series being called the Botham Ashes. Despite being such an impact player, he could not help his side win an ICC Trophy. He was part of the English world cup squad in the 1979, 1983, and 1992 World Cup squad. He made his international debut in 1976 and played his last international game in 1992. He was given Knighthood in 2007 for his service to the sport.
2. Shoaib Akthar- Pakistan
He is known as the Rawalpindi Express. He is known throughout the world as one of the fastest bowlers in the world. He bowled a delivery at a speed of 100.2 miles per hour in the 2003 world cup. He had a great impact on the cricketing world because of his fast bowling. Yet an ICC trophy deserted him throughout his career. He made his international debut in 1997 and retired after the 2011 world cup. He was part of his side world cup squad in 1999, 2003, and 2011. He was also part of his nation’s 2002 and 2004 Champions trophy squads.
3. AB de Villers – South Africa
He is known as Mr 360 in the cricketing world for his ability to hit all the angles of the cricket ground. His innovative and aggressive batting style has destroyed the bowlers' confidence. Despite having a great impact on each game, he plays because of his abilities. He could not help his side win an ICC trophy. He played for South Africa from 2004 to 2018 and was part of his nation’s squad in each ICC event before 2004 but he could not help his side win an ICC Trophy. He has the record of scoring the fastest hundred in the history of one-day cricket. The hundred was of 31 balls against the West Indies. He led his side to the 2013 and 2017 Champions trophy. He also led his side in the 2015 world cup and the 2012 ICC World t20.
4. Brendon McCullum – New Zealand
Brendon McCullum is a New Zealand cricketer known for his aggressive style of batting. He made his international debut against South Africa in 2002 and played international cricket till 2016. Since his debut, he was part of his national side in every ICC event until the 2015 world cup. He led his side to the 2015 world cup final through his style of aggressive batting at the top of the order. His side eventually lost to Australia in the final of the 2015 world cup. He also led his side in the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2014 ICC World t20 He is currently the coach of the England Test team.
5. Shane Bond – New Zealand
Shane Bond is a coach who coaches various franchise teams in franchise league t20 competitions around the globe. He was known for his quick bowling during his playing days. He could create jitters in the mind of the batsman through his fast bowling and was one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket during his playing days. He made his international debut against Australia in 2001 and played his last international game in the 2010 ICC World t20 against England. He was part of his national squad in the 2002 Champions Trophy, 2003 world cup, 2006 champions trophy, 2007 world cup, 2009 champions trophy, and 2010 world t20.
6. Sir Richard Hadlee – New Zealand
He was one of the popular fast-bowling all-rounders of his time. He once held the record for the highest wickets in test history with 431 wickets. He made his international debut in 1973 against Pakistan and played his final international game in 1990 against England. He was honoured with knighthood as a mark of respect for his contribution to the game in 1990. He was part of his nation's 1975, 1979, and 1983 world cup squads.
7. Courtney Walsh – West Indies
One of the best fast bowlers of his time He had taken 519 wickets in 132 test matches and 227 wickets in 205 one-day games. He made his international debut against Australia in 1984 and played his last international game against South Africa in 2001. He was part of his national team squad in the 1987, 1996, and 1999 cricket world cup. He is currently involved in coaching.
8. Sir Curtly Ambrose – West Indies
Curtly Ambrose was also a very good and feared fast bowler of his time. He along with Courtney Walsh could destroy any batting lineup on their best day in the office. He made his international debut against Pakistan in 1988 and played his last international game against England in 2000. He took 405 wickets in 98 test matches and 225 wickets in 176 one-day games. He was part of his national team squad in 1992, 1996, and 1999 world cup squads and the 1998 ICC Champions Trophy squad. He is currently involved in commentary. He was knighted in 2014 as a mark of respect for his contribution to the game of cricket.
9. Andrew Flintoff – England
He is one of the most popular all-rounders during his playing career. He was a matchwinner with both bat and the ball on his best day at the office. He led England in the 2007 t20 world cup and the 2006 Champions Trophy. He made his international debut against South Africa in 1998 and played his last international game against Australia in 2009. He was part of the 1999, 2003, and 2007 cricket world cup squad. He was also part of his nation’s 2000, 2004, and 2006 ICC Champions Trophy squad and the 2007 ICC World t20 squad. He is a TV presenter nowadays.
10. Mohmmed Azharuddin – India
Mohammed Azharuddin was one of the most stylish batsmen of India in his playing days. He scored 3 centuries in 3 consecutive test matches while he made his debut. He was popular for his flick shot. He made his international debut against England in 1984 and played his last game against Pakistan in 2000. He was part of his nation’s world cup squad in the 1987, 1992, 1996, and 1999 world Cups and the 1998 Champions trophy. He had led his side in the 1992, 1996, and 1999 world cup and the 1998 Champions Trophy. He is currently into politics, and commentary, and is a cricket expert on various media platforms.
Cricket is a team sport and ICC events cannot be won by individual brilliance. This list has cricketers who have had successful international careers in cricket but could not become a part of any ICC tournament-winning side.
