ICC introduces Minimum Age Policy for players to begin career in International Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a minimum age policy for players to play international cricket. According to the new rules, cricket players must be 15 years old to play the game globally in all formats of men’s, women’s or Under-19 International cricket.

ICC made this announcement after confirming the changes to the rules of the World Test Championship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In exceptional circumstances, however, the board could apply to ICC to allow players under the age of 15 to play in their respective countries.

Earlier, there was no restriction on the age of any cricketer to play in any form of international cricket. Pakistan's Hasan Raza, who played 7 Tests and 16 ODIs between 1996 and 2005, holds the record for being the youngest to play international cricket as he made his Test debut when he was 14 years and 227 days old.

Veteran batsman Sachin Tendulkar is the youngest Indian to play Test cricket for India and made his Test debut at the age of 16 years and 205 days. 

The ICC said in a statement that -

"The Board confirmed the introduction of minimum age restrictions for international cricket to improve safeguarding of players which will apply across all cricket including ICC events, bilateral cricket and U19 cricket. To play in any form of men’s, women’s or U19 international cricket players must now be a minimum age of 15." 

"In case of exceptional circumstances, a Member Board could apply to the ICC to allow a player under the age of 15 to play for them. This could include where the player’s playing experience and mental development and wellbeing demonstrates that they would be capable of coping with the demands of international cricket."