International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has come up with a minimum age policy for players to play international cricket, as per which, the cricketer must be 15-year-old to play the game globally.

"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," ICC said in a release.

However, in case of exceptional circumstances, cricket boards could apply to the parent body to allow a player below the age of 15 to represent the respective country.

"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," it added.

Earlier, there was no restriction on the age of cricketers to start their international career.

Pakistan's Hasan Raza holds the record of being the youngest to play international cricket. He made his Test debut at the age of 14 years and 227 days.

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar is the youngest to play cricket for India. He made his international debut at the age of 16 years and 205 days back in 1989.

(With ANI inputs)