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Pakistani stars choose Walthamstow for academy
By Ross Davies
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.
(left
to right) Azhar Mahmood, Mohammad Akram, Shoaib
Akhtar and Ammar Hasanie were all in attendance
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.
Updated : Nov 11
,2009
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