Shadley van Schalkwyk, a 37-year-old South African-born all-rounder, represents the USA in international cricket after relocating in 2021. He made his T20I and ODI debuts in 2024 and starred in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Shadley van Schalkwyk was born on August 5, 1988, in Cape Town, South Africa, a region renowned for nurturing elite cricket talent. Growing up in such a cricket-rich environment meant the sport was a constant presence in his life, whether in local parks, dedicated grounds, or schools. Now at 37 years old, van Schalkwyk has navigated cricket’s competitive landscape across three distinct circuits: as a promising prospect in his homeland, a seasoned domestic player, a migrant to the United States, and eventually, a standout performer in World Cup competitions. Van Schalkwyk has never publicly addressed his religious beliefs or personal background in interviews or public discussions. Given Cape Town’s multicultural backdrop and his career’s focus on cricket rather than public declarations, he prefers to keep these aspects of his life private. Details about his family life remain scarce, with little public knowledge about his parents or siblings. Shadley’s relatives backed his cricket ambitions from the start, following the well-trodden path of South African cricket development. That support remained steadfast even when his international ambitions seemed uncertain and, remarkably, extended to endorsing his courageous move to America in his early thirties. Shadley van Schalkwyk wears the jersey number 89 for the United States national team, a figure now synonymous with his identity on the field. At 37, this American all-rounder rarely shares personal insights, though he once posted a wedding photograph on Instagram. Shadley van Schalkwyk is married to Anzél Van Schalkwyk. The couple tied the knot in 2018, and since then, Anzél has stood by him as his greatest supporter. Contracts in Major League Cricket can be highly lucrative, particularly for skilled all-rounders, while the ILT20 in the UAE also offers attractive remuneration. In both 2024 and 2025, Shadley earned a salary of $10,000 per season while playing for the Los Angeles Riders. Shadley van Schalkwyk’s cricket journey has been marked by dramatic highs and lows, divided into two distinct phases: his domestic career in South Africa and his eventual recognition with the USA national team. In 2021, at age 33, van Schalkwyk relocated to the USA and began his American cricket journey with the Seattle Thunderbolts in Minor League Cricket, essentially starting over. His perseverance paid off with a historic breakthrough—selection for the USA national team in 2024. His T20I debut on April 7, 2024, against Canada represented the international recognition he had long pursued but never achieved during his South African tenure. His One Day International debut followed on August 13, 2024. The right-arm fast bowler has claimed 17 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 32.35. In T20Is specifically, he has taken 26 wickets in 17 games at an exceptional strike rate of under 13. Beyond bowling, he has contributed with the bat as well, scoring 167 runs at an average of 21. In T20Is, he has played several crucial innings, compiling runs at an average of 21.40 and a strike rate of 112. He has featured in just one ILT20 match so far, failing to take a wicket. However, he has been a regular presence in Major League Cricket, which serves as his domestic league in America. Notably, he also played two matches for South Africa’s Knights team in the Champions League T20. While his primary impact has come with the ball, he has occasionally showcased his batting skills, including a top score of 27 batting down the order. After years of relentless effort, van Schalkwyk finally debuted internationally at age 36—a monumental milestone in his career. The T20 World Cup 2026 served as a defining moment, where he ranked among the tournament’s top wicket-takers. Shadley van Schalkwyk is a 37-year-old South African-born all-rounder who has represented the USA in international cricket since 2024. No, Shadley van Schalkwyk was born and raised in South Africa before relocating to the USA. Shadley van Schalkwyk’s current age is 37. All images included are used for editorial purposes only. They are licensed exclusively through Getty/Source.