T20 World Cup Records

T20 World Cup Stats: Youngest Players to Play

The T20I format is a perfect platform for youngsters to make an early mark in their careers. With a lot of potential and skills, these young bloods can make experienced players sweat with their energetic performances.

And which team doesn’t want such promising players in their squads? These fresh talents might provide an ideal balance for the team.

Some teams have taken punts on youngsters, giving them a run at the biggest stage, like the T20 World Cup.

On that note, here are the top 10 youngest players to feature in T20 World Cup history. 

Youngest Players in T20 World Cup

Player Age* Team Year
Aayan Afzal Khan 16y 335d UAE 2022
Mohammad Amir 17y 55d Pakistan 2009
Rashid Khan 17y 170d Afghanistan 2016
Ahmed Shehzad 17y 196d Pakistan 2009
George Dockrell 17y 282d Ireland 2010
Sompal Kami 18y 42d Nepal 2014
Gulsan Jha 18y 108d Nepal 2024
Anshuman Rath 18y 124d Hong Kong 2016
Tamim Iqbal 18y 177d Bangladesh 2007
Paul Stirling 18y 285d Ireland 2009

Note: Age* is considered at the start of each player’s first match in the T20 World Cup.

Key Insights

At 16 years and 335 days, UAE’s Aayan Afzal Khan became the youngest player to feature in T20 World Cup history. He made his T20 World Cup debut against the Netherlands in October 2022.

On the other hand, Hong Kong’s Ryan Campbell is the oldest player to play in the T20 World Cup. The wicketkeeper-batter played his last match against Scotland at the age of 44 years and 34 days in 2016.