World’s Youngest Cricketer in History

Who Holds the Record for Being the Youngest Cricketer in the World?

The record for the youngest cricketer to debut internationally is held by Hasan Raza of Pakistan. He made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 1996, at an impressive age of just 14 years and 227 days. Official ICC records still recognise him as the youngest Test cricketer ever, though there has been some debate and controversy over the accuracy of his documented age.

While Raza’s accomplishment is truly remarkable, the controversy surrounding birth records in Pakistan cricket has sometimes shadowed his achievement. Despite these questions, the ICC continues to list him as the youngest male international cricketer.

In women’s cricket, the record was even set at a younger age. Syeda Sajjida Shah of Pakistan made her ODI debut at just 12 years and 171 days in 2000, making her the youngest international cricketer of any gender.

Top 5 Youngest Cricketers to Debut Internationally

1. Hasan Raza (Pakistan – 14 years, 237 days)

Debut: 1996, Test vs Zimbabwe

Impact: Still officially the youngest male international cricketer, though his career never truly flourished at the top level.

2. Mushtaq Mohammad (Pakistan – 15 years, 124 days)

Debut: 1959, Test vs West Indies

Impact: Went on to be an exceptional all-rounder, scoring over 30,000 first-class runs and captaining Pakistan.

3. Aaqib Javed (Pakistan – 16 years, 189 days)

Debut: 1989, ODI vs West Indies

Impact: Later played in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning squad and became a respected coach.

4. Sachin Tendulkar (India – 16 years, 205 days)

Debut: 1989, Test vs Pakistan

Impact: Widely regarded as the greatest batsman in cricket history, with a record 100 international centuries.

5. Aftab Baloch (Pakistan – 16 years, 221 days)

Debut: 1969, Test vs New Zealand

Impact: He played just two Test matches for Pakistan; the two games were nearly six years apart.

How Young Is “Too Young” to Play International Cricket?

To enhance the safeguarding of players, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented a ‘minimum age policy’ in International Cricket. A player must be at least 15 years old to participate. However, countries still retain the option to field a player below this age limit. With increasingly young players, there are important considerations:

Physical readiness: A cricketer must have sufficient physical maturity to handle the rigours of travel, intense match workloads, and the risk of injury, among other factors.

Mental maturity & psychological support: Travelling, pressure, scrutiny, expectations from media/fans—these can be immense for a child/early-teen.

Support systems, including good coaching, mentoring, and protective oversight (on agencies and boards), are essential to prevent burnout.

Policy & safeguarding: Some countries/boards implement age minimums or assessments for safety; these are less formal at the global level.

Career sustainability: An early debut may bring early fame, but it does not always guarantee a long career. Some young prodigies fade due to injury, loss of form, or pressure.

Examples: Hasan Raza was extremely young, and although he played a number of matches, his international career was sporadic; in contrast, someone like Mushtaq Mohammad, who also debuted at a young age, had a sustained career.

Who Is the Youngest Indian Cricketer to Play Internationally?

The record belongs to Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at just 16 years and 205 days against Pakistan in 1989. His arrival was greeted with immense media buzz, and he carried the burden of being India’s “next big hope” from the start. Unlike many young prodigies, Tendulkar exceeded every expectation, becoming the face of Indian cricket for two decades.

In women’s cricket, Gargi Banerjee holds the record for India, debuting in ODIs at just 14 years and 165 days.

Can Starting Too Early Hurt a Cricketer’s Career?

Starting young has both pros and cons:

Pros:

Longer potential career span

Early exposure builds resilience

Chance to adapt to international standards from a formative age

Cons:

High pressure leading to burnout

Risk of injury to developing bodies

Struggles balancing personal growth with professional demands

Examples:

Success story: Sachin Tendulkar – thrived despite debuting as a teen.

Struggles: Hasan Raza – immense early hype but an inconsistent international career.

Final Thoughts

Age isn’t always the most important thing in cricket. What’s truly important is having the right mix of talent, guidance, and support. Some teenagers become legends, while others struggle under pressure. Thanks to structured opportunities like the U-19 World Cup and domestic academies, cricket boards are now ensuring that players are thoughtfully prepared before they step onto the international stage.

We’ll all keep an eye out for the next young star — maybe another 15-year-old ready to take on the world. Who’s the youngest cricketer you’ve seen play live? Share your stories in the comments!

Hasan Raza of Pakistan, who debuted at 14 years and 227 days in 1996.

Syeda Sajjida Shah of Pakistan, who debuted in ODIs at 12 years and 171 days in 2000.

Yes. Hasan Raza (Pakistan, 14 years) and multiple women cricketers, including Sajjida Shah, played at even younger ages.