It is the dream of almost every professional cricketer to represent his country at a grand stage like ICC T20 World Cup one day. The T20 World Cup is the one tournament where countries from all over the planet participate and compete to win the prestigious trophy. It began in the year 2007, and its most recent edition is currently underway in Australia.
While some of the veteran players never played a T20 World Cup match in their entire careers, the following five names got to play in the mega event even before turning 18 years old. Here’s a list of five youngest players in the tournament’s history:
5. George Dockrell, Ireland
Ireland’s spin-bowling all-rounder George Dockrell played his first match at the mega event in the year 2010. He was just 17 years and 282 days old when he donned the Ireland jersey at the biggest T20I tournament.
4. Ahmed Shehzad, Pakistan
Reckoned by many as one of the most gifted talents in Pakistan cricket, right-handed batter Ahmed Shehzad started his career in the mega event at the age of 17 years and 196 days. Fans should note that Pakistan became champions in 2009, when Shehzad was a part of the squad.
3. Rashid Khan, Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s leg-spin bowler Rashid Khan turned up for his nation in the 2016 edition of the mega event. He was 17 years and 170 days old when he played in the mega event.
2. Mohammad Amir, Pakistan
For a long time, Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir held the world record for the youngest player to have played in the mega event. He was just 17 years and 55 days old when he played for Pakistan in the 2009 edition. His record has now been broken.
1. Aayan Afzal Khan, UAE
Youngest players in Men's T20 World Cup:
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) October 16, 2022
16y 335d – Aayan Afzal Khan🇦🇪 in 2022
17y 55d – Mohammad Amir🇵🇰 in 2009
17y 170d – Rashid Khan🇦🇫 in 2016
17y 196d – Ahmed Shehzad🇵🇰 in 2009
17y 282d – George Dockrell☘️ in 2010
Aayan Khan is the first under 17 aged man to play in T20 WC.
In the second match of T20 World Cup 2022, UAE gave a place to 16-year-old Aayan Afzal Khan in their playing XI against Netherlands. At 16 years and 335 days, Khan is the youngest player to have played in the big tournament now.
