Four Pakistani Cricketers Named Among World’s Best Young Talents by Wisden

Islamabad: In a proud moment for Pakistan cricket, four young Pakistani players have been named among the top 40 best young cricketers in the world, according to a new list released by renowned cricket publication Wisden.

The prestigious list features players under the age of 23 from cricketing nations across the globe, selected based on recent performances and long-term potential. This marks the first time since 2019 that Wisden has released such a ranking of emerging talent.

Naseem Shah Among Top Ten

Leading Pakistan’s presence on the list is fast bowler Naseem Shah, who secured the 6th spot overall, making him the highest-ranked Pakistani player and one of only a few fast bowlers in the top 10.

India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal claimed the top position, followed by West Indies’ Jayden Seales (2nd), England’s Jacob Bethell (3rd), New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke (4th), and South Africa’s Lhuan-dre Pretorius (5th).

The remaining top ten spots were taken by Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz (7th), South Africa’s Kwena Maphaka (8th), India’s Sai Sudharsan (9th), and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran (10th).

Other Pakistani Rising Stars Recognized

In addition to Naseem Shah:

• Saim Ayub was ranked 11th

• Hassan Nawaz secured the 26th spot

• Ali Raza, a young emerging bowler, was placed 37th

Notable Exclusions and Observations

Interestingly, no Australian player made it into the top 10, highlighting a shift in the global pool of rising cricket talent. The list serves as a reflection of the changing landscape in international cricket, where young players from South Asia and Africa are increasingly dominating.

Wisden’s selection criteria focused on recent performance, consistency, and future potential, making this recognition a significant milestone in the careers of the selected players.

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This acknowledgment further cements Pakistan’s status as a breeding ground for fast bowlers and emerging talent, and provides an encouraging sign for the future of Pakistan cricket.