Josh Hull shone in the England Lions' recent victory over Sri Lanka, securing a Test call-up, but the spotlight also on Zaman Akhter, who took seven wickets. He represents a spark of hope ignited by the South Asian Cricket Academy, aiming to bridge the gap for under-represented British South Asians in professional cricket. Managing Director Tom Brown's research revealed shocking disparities which motivated the Academy's formation, breaking down barriers and fostering talent within marginalized communities.
Tom Brown, the managing director of the South Asian Cricket Academy, highlights the systemic inequalities in cricket through his PhD research. He found that British South Asians, educated in state schools, are significantly underrepresented in professional cricket compared to their white privately-educated counterparts. This data led him to establish the Academy, working alongside former cricketer Kabir Ali, to provide opportunities for South Asian players to showcase their skills, compete against county second XI teams, and catch the attention of scouts.
In just 18 months since its inception, the South Asian Cricket Academy has revolutionized the pathway for aspiring cricketers like Zaman Akhter. Moving into a shared house with other talented players, Akhter prepared for the summer training at Edgbaston. The Academy aims to provide exposure to young cricketers by hosting showcase days where they can demonstrate their abilities to county teams. Brown notes this approach is fundamental in changing the narrative for South Asian cricketers who face systemic barriers.
Zaman Akhter's journey with the South Asian Cricket Academy has culminated in impressive performances and notable interest from county teams. His right-arm pace bowling caught the eyes of scouts, leading to his signing with Gloucestershire. This success story exemplifies the vital role the Academy plays, offering South Asian players not just training, but substantial opportunities to secure professional contracts and represent their communities in mainstream cricket, fostering inclusivity and fairness within the sport.
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