Over the years, cricket has been graced by remarkable young talent, with some prodigies making waves internationally at astonishingly young ages. These players defied expectations, showing skills beyond their years and leaving lasting impacts on the sport. Here, we delve into the journeys of seven of the youngest international cricketers who made their mark on cricket history.
7. Mohammad Sharif
Debut Age: 17
Country: Bangladesh
Role: All-rounder
At just 17, Mohammad Sharif entered Test cricket, facing Zimbabwe in 2001. Known in Narayanganj for his powerful lower-order batting, he also brought notable bowling skills to the game. In 2008, Sharif joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), risking his future with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). He subsequently faced a decade-long ban but opted to leave the ICL the following year. Today, Sharif continues to play in the National Cricket League (NCL) for Dhaka after his return.
Trivia: Sharif’s career was impacted by a persistent groin injury post-2003 World Cup, requiring surgeries in both India and Australia. He rejoined the national squad four years later on a tour to Zimbabwe.
6. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Debut Age: 16
Country: Afghanistan
Role: Bowler
At 16, Mujeeb Ur Rahman became Afghanistan’s youngest Test cricketer during a 2018 match against India. He first debuted internationally in 2017 and soon became known as the youngest player to secure five wickets in an ODI. Rahman is also related to cricketers Noor Ali Zadran and Jamshid Zadran, maintaining a strong family connection to the sport.
Trivia: Rahman is highly sought after in T20 leagues and has played for teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab, and Brisbane Heat.
5. Naseem Shah
Debut Age: 16
Country: Pakistan
Role: Bowler
Naseem Shah’s Test debut for Pakistan at 16 took place in Brisbane, where he quickly accumulated over 50 Test wickets. He holds the distinction of being the youngest fast bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul and the youngest to take a Test hat-trick. More recently, he has made notable contributions in T20Is, especially in the absence of Shaheen Afridi, gaining recognition after his strong Asia Cup performance.
Trivia: Despite facing early-career injuries that kept him off the field for a year, Shah returned triumphantly against Australia and overcame personal loss, debuting soon after his mother’s passing.
4. Sachin Tendulkar
Debut Age: 16
Country: India
Role: Top-order batter
Sachin Tendulkar is widely celebrated as one of cricket's most accomplished batsmen, praised for his skill, balance, and adaptability across all formats. He made his Test debut at 16 and notched his first century at 17. Tendulkar set numerous records, including the most runs and centuries in both Tests and ODIs, and became the first player to score a double century in ODIs. His legendary career spanned 24 years, concluding in 2013.
Trivia: With 34,357 runs across formats, Tendulkar remains cricket’s highest run-scorer. He is also revered for his humility and sportsmanship, making him a beloved figure worldwide.
3. Aaqib Javed
Debut Age: 16
Country: Pakistan
Role: Bowler
Aaqib Javed debuted at 16 against New Zealand and later joined Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team. Known for his underrated yet effective fast-medium pace, Javed played alongside greats like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Despite retiring amid a match-fixing scandal (from which he was cleared), he went on to coach, leading the UAE to ODI and T20I status and qualifying them for the 2015 World Cup.
Trivia: During Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup campaign, Javed filled in for the injured Waqar Younis, making significant contributions to the team.
2. Mushtaq Mohammad
Debut Age: 15
Country: Pakistan
Role: All-rounder
Mushtaq Mohammad’s debut came at just 15 years old against the West Indies in 1959. As an all-rounder, he achieved over 30,000 first-class runs and took 79 Test wickets. He also captained Pakistan from 1976 to 1979, including a series win over India. Mohammad held the record as the youngest to score a Test century until it was broken over 40 years later.
Trivia: Mohammad was awarded Pakistan’s Pride of Performance in 1963, and later, he led Pakistan to the 1999 Cricket World Cup final as a coach.
1. Hasan Raza
Debut Age: 14
Country: Pakistan
Role: Batsman
Holding the title of the youngest-ever Test cricketer, Hasan Raza debuted at 14 against Zimbabwe in 1996. Over his short Test career, he scored 235 runs and faced scrutiny over his age. Raza continued to play in Pakistan’s domestic circuit and briefly joined the ICL, emerging as its top run-scorer in his debut season.
Trivia: Raza was involved in a 2018 match-fixing controversy linked to pitch tampering, which resulted in his exclusion from Pakistan’s domestic circuit.
Mark on History
These seven young cricket talents exemplify the challenges and triumphs of early stardom. While some encountered obstacles or missteps along the way, all contributed significantly to their teams and left an indelible mark on cricket’s rich history. Through resilience and skill, many went on to become legends, continuing to inspire young athletes worldwide.