At present, a very big and sensational news is coming out from the international cricket world, sports grounds and the corridors of social media which will surprise the cricket fans. Emerging young and dangerous fast bowlers of Pakistan cricket team Ali Raza Instead of his lethal bowling, he is currently in the midst of serious controversies and discussions regarding his age. Recently, a debate has erupted on social media about Ali Raza, who performed brilliantly against India during the Under-19 Asia Cup and took three wickets, whether his age mentioned in the official records is really correct or whether he has hidden his age. What has attracted the most attention of cricket lovers and analysts is the fact that Ali Raza is playing his fifth consecutive Under-19 tournament in the last three years of his career. Let us know in detail why this whole controversy has arisen regarding the age of Ali Raza and what is the real truth behind it.
Ali Raza came into limelight after the match against India, serious questions raised regarding age
When Pakistan faced arch-rival India in an exciting match of the Under-19 Asia Cup played on Sunday, Pakistani fast bowler Ali Raza troubled the Indian batsmen with his fast pace and sharp bowling and took three important wickets. Instead of being appreciated for his strong performance on the field, questions started being raised on social media platforms about his date of birth and physical appearance.
According to official records, both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have confirmed Ali Raza's date of birth. March 18, 2008 is registered. According to this official data, his current age is only 18 years. However, seeing his massive and mature physical appearance, his bowling speed and his expressions on the field, a large section of cricket fans and sports lovers are not ready to believe that he is only 18 years old. Fans on social media are constantly alleging that Ali Raza has manipulated his age (Age Fraud) to take advantage of playing at the junior level. However, it is also a fact that till now no formal allegation of age fraud has been officially made against him by any cricket board or ICC nor has any investigation been called for.
Fifth under-19 tournament has been played in just three years, the figures surprised
The biggest basis behind these questions being raised regarding the age of Ali Raza is the record of the tournaments played by him. If we take a closer look at his junior cricket career, it comes to light that Ali Raza has been an integral part of Pakistan Under-19 team for the last few years.
According to the available data, Ali Raza has so far in his career 2024 Under-19 World Cupafter this Under-19 Asia Cup of 2024 and 2025And 2026 Under-19 World Cup Have played. and now currently running 2026 Under-19 Asia Cup Total games played in the last three years of his career Fifth Under-19 Tournament Is. It is very rare in the history of cricket that a player remains a part of so many big tournaments at the junior level for three-four consecutive years. This is the main reason why sports lovers and cricket pundits are now questioning their paper documents.
Has created a stir in domestic cricket and PSL too, fans are asking big questions
Ali Raza is not only proving his bowling prowess in junior or age-group cricket, but he has also frightened big batsmen with his pace. Pakistan's prestigious T20 league Pakistan Super League (PSL) And in other domestic first-class matches of Pakistan, he has created havoc with his flamboyant bowling and has created a distinct identity for himself.
This is the reason why a debate has now erupted on social media and in cricket circles as to why a bowler who has such a long experience of playing PSL and domestic cricket and whose bowling shows international level maturity, is being played again and again in junior tournaments like Under-19. Many fans believe that Ali Raza is now well past that stage and should focus directly on the senior national team or competitive first-class cricket rather than playing junior cricket. However, this latest controversy regarding age has once again sparked a long debate in the cricket world regarding the rules and procedures of age verification.