Top 5 youngest international debutants from every full member nation Ft. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history after making his international debut for India in the second T20I against England at Old Trafford. At just 15 years and 99 days, the teenage batter became India's youngest-ever international cricketer, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record. His debut has been one of the biggest talking points in world cricket.

Sooryavanshi's debut had been eagerly awaited by fans. After missing out during the Ireland series and the first T20I against England, he finally received his opportunity. At the toss, India captain Shreyas Iyer praised the youngster and said his biggest strength is that he plays without fear and does not let pressure affect his game.

Despite becoming India's youngest international cricketer, Sooryavanshi is currently the second-youngest men's international debutant among all ICC Full Member nations. Only Pakistan's Hasan Raza made his debut at a younger age. In this article, we look at the top five youngest international debutants from every ICC Full Member nation, including Sooryavanshi's historic achievement.

Top 5 youngest international debutants from every full member nation

5. Josh Little – 16 Years, 309 Days (Ireland)

Josh Little became one of Ireland's youngest international cricketers when he made his T20I debut against Hong Kong on September 5, 2016. At just 16 years and 309 days, the left-arm fast bowler entered the record books as one of the youngest players to represent Ireland at the international level.

Little initially balanced his cricket career with his school studies, which limited his appearances during the early years of his international career. However, he continued to develop his skills and became a regular member of the Ireland squad from 2019. His consistent performances also earned him an Emerging Player contract with Cricket Ireland.

One of the biggest moments of his early career came on his ODI debut against England in 2019. The Dublin-born pacer claimed four wickets for 45 runs, including the wicket of England captain Eoin Morgan with a sharp bouncer. His outstanding spell helped Ireland put the world's top-ranked ODI team under pressure and confirmed his place as one of the country's most promising fast bowlers.

4. Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 16 Years, 252 Days (Afghanistan)

Mujeeb Ur Rahman became one of Afghanistan's youngest international cricketers when he made his ODI debut against Ireland in Sharjah on December 5, 2017. At just 16 years and 252 days, the off-spinner announced his arrival on the international stage. Known for his ability to bowl off-breaks, carrom balls, and googlies, Mujeeb quickly earned a reputation as one of the most talented young spinners in world cricket.

Before making his senior debut, Mujeeb dominated age-group cricket. He played a key role in Afghanistan Under-19's series win over Bangladesh in 2017 and later starred in the Under-19 Asia Cup final against Pakistan with figures of 5 for 13. He continued his impressive form at the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, where his match-winning spell against New Zealand helped Afghanistan reach the semi-finals.

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Mujeeb's rise continued rapidly after his debut. In 2018, he became the youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in ODIs and played an important role in helping Afghanistan qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup. His performances also earned him an IPL contract with Kings XI Punjab, and he soon became a regular in T20 leagues around the world. He later produced another memorable performance in the 2021 T20 World Cup, taking 5 for 20 against Scotland.

3. Mohammad Sharif – 15 Years, 116 Days (Bangladesh)

In the number three spot on the list is former Bangladesh cricketer Mohammad Sharif. He made his international debut at just 15 years and 116 days, becoming one of the youngest players to represent Bangladesh. A right-arm fast bowler who could generate reverse swing, Sharif also contributed with the bat as a useful lower-order batter. His impressive performances in domestic cricket earned him a place in the national team at a very young age.

Sharif enjoyed a promising start to his international career but struggled to keep his place in the side. Injuries, including a serious groin problem after the 2003 World Cup, kept him out of action for several months. He eventually returned to the Bangladesh team after almost four years. In 2008, he joined the unofficial Indian Cricket League (ICL), which resulted in a 10-year ban from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. He later left the league and returned to domestic cricket.

During his international career, Sharif played 10 Test matches and 9 One-Day Internationals for Bangladesh. He scored 122 runs and took 14 wickets in Tests, with best bowling figures of 4/98. In ODIs, he scored 53 runs and claimed 10 wickets, with best figures of 3/40. Despite a career affected by injuries and setbacks, Sharif remains one of the youngest international debutants in Bangladesh's cricket history.

2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – 15 Years, 99 Days (India)

In the number two spot on the list is India's teenage sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He made his international debut in the second T20I against England at Old Trafford at just 15 years and 99 days, becoming the youngest player to represent India in international cricket. India captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed his inclusion in the playing XI after he replaced Sanju Samson.

With his debut, Sooryavanshi broke Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record as India's youngest international cricketer. Tendulkar made his debut at the age of 16 years and 205 days against Pakistan in 1989. Sooryavanshi also became India's youngest men's T20I debutant, surpassing Washington Sundar, who made his debut at 18 years and 80 days in 2017.

See also -Vaibhav Sooryavanshi breaks Sachin Tendulkar's special record with International debut vs England

The debut was another milestone in Sooryavanshi's remarkable journey. The Bihar-born opener had already made headlines during IPL 2025 by becoming the youngest player in the tournament's history and the youngest centurion in men's T20 cricket. His rapid rise from domestic cricket to the Indian team has made him one of the brightest young talents in world cricket.

1. Hasan Raza – 14 Years, 227 Days (Pakistan)

In the number one spot on the list is former Pakistan cricketer Hasan Raza. He made his Test debut at just 14 years and 227 days, making him the youngest international cricketer among ICC Full Member nations. However, his age later became the subject of debate, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) withdrew the official record claim after questions were raised about his birth date.

Hasan showed plenty of promise early in his career but struggled to secure a regular place in the Pakistan team. He returned to the side against Australia in the 2002–03 Sharjah series, where he scored an unbeaten 54 and 68 in two innings. He also played two more Tests against Zimbabwe before losing his place again despite continuing to perform well in domestic cricket and for Pakistan A.

Although Hasan was regarded as a naturally gifted batter with excellent timing, he could not fully establish himself at the international level. He later captained Pakistan A to victory in the EurAsia Cup in 2006. His hopes of returning to the national team suffered another setback after he joined the unofficial Indian Cricket League (ICL), which affected his international career.