THE NEXT Ravi Bopara or Kevin Pietersen could be emerging from the borough of Waltham Forest or Redbridge after it was announced that a prestigious cricket academy will be launched at Walthamstow’s Peter May Centre in January.
The Cricket Academy was devised by Pakistan international cricketers Mohammad Akram and Azhar Mahmood, along with managing director Ammar Hasanie, in an effort to provide a platform for some of the borough’s most talented young players to succeed in the game.
Unlike other academies affiliated with professional players, Akram and Mahmood will be taking an active part in the project, drawing upon their considerable experience as international stars to coach the young hopefuls throughout the process.
Mahmood insisted it had been a long-term goal to set up such a school and he is looking forward to getting started.
“It’s been a dream come true,” said the 34-year-old all-rounder, who has enjoyed stints with Kent and Surrey. “I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time now. Cricket has given us a lot so it’s time to give something back.
“We want to take the youngsters from the street and put them on the cricket pitch.”
The academy will set up base at the Peter May Centre, although its influence will stretch across London, with a view to taking it nationwide in the future.
Mahmood, who has played 21 Tests and 143 One Day Internationals for his country, is hopeful that his new project will open doors previously closed for aspiring cricketers. He believes the presence of some of the game’s famous faces will help attract players from all backgrounds and is predicting a resounding success for the new initiative.
He added: “It’s not like other academies, where you send a kid and it’s someone else teaching them. I’m busy still playing cricket but I will go there when I can and talk to the boys.
“I’ve been playing international cricket for the last 14 years. That’s the difference between us and the other academies – we’re able to bring everything we’ve learned, not just with cricket, but off the field as well.
“If we can get a few players to the county level that would be a big achievement for us and that’s what we’re looking for.”
The academy will target young cricketers between the ages of 14 and 21 to help them realise their potential and provide the best possible chance to become stars of the future.
“We would like to welcome more children, but at that age (14-21) you are at the stage where you are going to make it or break it,” added Mahmood. “If there are younger players that are very talented we can take them on too, but at 14 they are at an age where they can listen and understand what we tell them.”
Mahmood was speaking at the end-of-season presentation evening for the Gujarati Metropo-litan Cricket League at Leyton’s Starlight Suite.
The league has grown in popularity since its inception 16 years ago to the point where it now has 24 teams.
Mahmood was joined by Akram and Hasanie, as well as fellow Pakistan international Shoaib Akhtar, who is the fastest bowler in the world.
The GMCL boasts over 500 players and is played all over east London. It has also played host to Essex and England star Bopara, as well as Indian international Yusuf Pathan, making it a popular scene for local cricketers.
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