Throughout history, the sport of cricket has been treated to a number of memorable performances from a selection of talented stars. From the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara to Sir Donald Bradman and Shane Warne, it’s a sport that requires a team performance to succeed but also provides a platform for certain individuals to shine.

Over the years, the sport has seen some truly legendary stars contribute a great deal towards changing the face of cricket, be it by putting more bums on seats or by creating more of a buzz in the build-up to matches. In 2022, there are many up-and-coming young players who are doing exactly the same. Some of them are already shining on the international stage, being touted for future captaincy roles, they’re influencing any betting on cricket due to their immense talent, and they’re providing excitement at a time when cricket arguably needs a new breed to step forward and make themselves known. Some youngsters are still finding their feet, too, while others are perhaps progressing at a faster rate.

With a selection of talented young cricketers expected to build on the success of the last year or so and kick further on in times to come, the future of cricket appears to be in a healthy position. With that in mind, let’s have a look at a selection of talented young stars that will surely lead the sport moving forward.

Rashid Khan – Afghanistan

Most cricket fans are fully aware of Rashid Khan in 2022, and it’s easy to see why. The skilled leg-spinner burst onto the scene as a teenager and has been shining ever since. Now 23, Rashid has spent years bamboozling batters in the IPL and he stands as Afghanistan’s most famous cricketer, with his numbers simply startling. Eighty-three ODIs have resulted in 158 wickets at an average of 18.65, while 109 T20I wickets have come at 13. He’s had fewer opportunities in the Test stage, but 34 wickets in just five Tests shows he can do it with the red ball too. He’s handy with the bat, as well, having made five ODI half-centuries, his idiosyncratic technique making him a blistering presence down the order.

Sam Curran – England

At the age of 24, there is certainly more to come from Sam Curran. A back stress fracture saw him miss out on England’s assignments last winter, but he has had a promising summer so far, finally making his first professional century before starring for England in their ODI win over South Africa, with his 18-ball 35 at Old Trafford followed by figures of 1-5 from two overs. Should Curran keep fit and grow in confidence, he will surely continue winning matches on his own for club and country.

Naseem Shah – Pakistan

Aged just 19, Naseem Shah is Pakistan’s next big emerging star. A bowler who is more than capable of delivering nightmares at high speeds, he made his international debut at just 16 and became the youngest bowler to take a Test hat-trick when he rattled through Bangladesh in February 2020. Pakistan is famous for its production line of brilliant pacemen and Naseem looks to be next in line, following the lineage of greats such as Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and War Younis.

Harry Brook – England

While Harry Brook’s name won’t be on the lips of cricket fans all around the world, he is undoubtedly growing in reputation in England. While there are more things to come from the youngster, the Yorkshire star has shone in county cricket and is starting to make his way into the senior set-up, having made his T20I debut earlier this year. He looks capable of being an all-format batter and has a bright future ahead of him.

Other talented young stars to keep tabs on include the likes of Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman, England’s Tom Banton, Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi and India’s Rishabh Pant.