Josh Clarkson, born in Christchurch, is a batting all-rounder known for his powerful right-handed batting and effective right-arm medium-pace bowling. It all began for Josh in October 2015 when he made his first-class debut for Central Districts, showcasing his potential in the longer format. Just a month later, he transitioned to the shortest format with his T20 debut. December 2015 turned out to be a landmark month in his budding career, as he not only earned a spot in New Zealand's squad for the 2016 Under-19 World Cup but also made his List A debut.

Clarkson's domestic cricket career took a significant leap forward when he was awarded a contract with Central Districts for the 2018-19 season. Clarkson’s reputation as a hard-hitting finisher, combined with his ability to bowl at a brisk medium pace, made him a standout in domestic competitions. His towering frame and long reach allow him to strike the ball with immense power, making him a feared presence in the middle order.

Clarkson’s domestic dominance and consistent performances caught the attention of national selectors, leading to his debut for the New Zealand senior team in late 2023. He made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in December 2023, making an immediate impact with figures of 2 for 24 in a rain-affected match in Dunedin. Building on this momentum, Clarkson made his T20I debut against Australia in February 2024, further showcasing his all-round capabilities on the global stage.

The years 2025 and 2026 proved to be incredibly successful for the powerful all rounder. He expanded his franchise cricket experience by playing for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League in 2024 before focusing heavily on his bowling. He then had a spectacular domestic summer back home during the 2025 to 2026 Ford Trophy season. He took his first ever List A five wicket haul finishing with impressive figures of five wickets for just 32 runs. He ended that tournament as the leading wicket taker with 23 dismissals and helped Central Districts secure the championship title while continuing to represent New Zealand in international T20 matches against South Africa.