Middlesex Cricket is today delighted to announce the launch of an exciting new partnership between the club and the Afghan Cricket Association UK (ACA UK) which will see the two organisations working hand in hand on several projects over the coming year to engage the Afghan community within and around London.
In the year when eighteen-year -old Afghan cricketing superstar Mujeeb ur Rahman will represent Middlesex in the Vitality Blast, what better time to join forces to try and engage UK resident cricket loving Afghans with one of the countries most respected county sides at the games most historic ground, Lord’s.
With over 100,000 Afghans currently living in the capital, the ACA UK and Middlesex will be running several engagement projects to bring the Afghan community together at Lord’s this summer, including launching a special membership promotion available exclusively through the ACA UK website.
Anyone purchasing the special membership offer through the ACA UK will also be invited to attend a unique event held at Lord’s later this summer, when they’ll get to meet Mujeeb in person, whilst enjoying hospitality at the finest venue in cricket.
Middlesex Cricket will also be playing a major part in helping to improve the standard of Afghan cricket within the capital – making their Finchley Indoor School facility regularly available to the ACA UK and providing professional coaching to improve players’ skills.
To crown the year, Middlesex Cricket will also be providing a representative side to take on the ACA UK team after their annual cricket competition - with dates and venue still to be confirmed.
Speaking of the innovative new partnership, Middlesex Cricket’s Chief Operating Officer Rob Lynch, commented:
“We are delighted to have formed this partnership with the ACAUK and are really looking forward to working with them and to welcoming the Afghan community to Lord’s over the summer months ahead.
“With such a vibrant cricket loving Afghan population living in London, this partnership makes huge sense on so many levels, and with Mujeeb on board this year with Middlesex, we’re hoping to achieve great things in the Vitality Blast.
“It promises to be an exciting summer for Afghans in the capital.”
Bashir Gharwal, Chairman of the ACA UK commented:
"Founded not long ago, on 1st June 2016, we are proud of where ACA-UK has reached. From only 6 teams in the first year, we now have 15 teams in different cities across the UK participating in our annual events.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Middlesex Cricket and we would like to thank the club for signing the Afghan mystery spinner Mujeeb - this will further strengthen the cricketing relationship between the two great nations which is one of our prime aims. It is also an excellent opportunity for our players and members to get professional training and showcase their talent on bigger stages.”
About the ACA UK
Afghan Cricket Association serves as the talent-hunt hub for UK based Afghans and acts as the centre of gravity for Afghan teams and clubs in the UK. They have previously collaborated with MCC during Afghanistan National Team's first ever appearance at Lord's, and Wormsley CC during the Afghanistan XI exhibition match against the Sir Paul Getty XI.
