Middlesex Cricket are pleased to announce that another of the Club’s EPG Academy youngsters has been rewarded with his first professional contract, with Naavya Sharma signing a rookie contract until the end of the 2026 season.
Born in Isleworth, the tall nineteen-year-old right-arm quick is another product of the Berkshire Youth system and came through their age group programme before joining the Middlesex pathway at Under 16 level.
Since joining the Middlesex EPG squad, he has gone on to make his debuts for the Club in both the Second Eleven Championship in 2023 and the Second Eleven T20 competition this year.
He capped a magnificent season this year by being called up to the England Under 19s Test squad and featured in both Test matches against Sri Lanka Under 19s, finishing the series as the leading wicket-taker, picking up nine wickets in the two Tests, including a five-wicket haul in the second Test, returning figures of 5 for 44.
Speaking of Sharma being awarded his first professional contract with Middlesex, Managing Director of Cricket, Alan Coleman, commented:
“It’s so rewarding to see a young player develop as well as Naavya has, and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity.
“He’s got talent in abundance, works hard to keep improving, and has proven at international Under 19 level that he’s ready for the next challenge.
“He’s been an important part of our EPG programme to this point and is definitely ready for that next step, and I’ve no doubt that he’ll do all he can to continue to push himself in and amongst the professional squad.
“Our thanks go to our partners at Berkshire Cricket, who saw the potential in Naavya at a young age, and a lot of credit must go to them for developing him in his early years.”
On signing professional terms with Middlesex, Sharma himself commented:
“I am delighted and honoured to be given this opportunity and am really excited to get started and make a positive impact.
“I would like to thank everyone that has contributed to my cricketing journey thus far”
