What inspired you to start playing cricket?
“Motivation came from when I went to my first cricket game with my dad. It was Pakistan Vs. the West Indies and the atmosphere just made me want to play the actual game.”
How did you become a cricket scholar and what are the benefits of being a cricket scholar at UEL?
“I applied through the scholar system and I guess I got lucky. All the gym sessions, cricket sessions and physio therapy are paid for – so that helps a lot in terms of my recovery, training and progression.”
How have you found balancing cricket duties alongside your studies?
“It’s quite tough, but it’s quite interesting. Running the cricket club, I get what I want in terms of all the athletes performing, as well as myself.”
You occasionally coach the women’s team, is coaching something you’d like to get into in the future?
“If the opportunity arises, then why not? There’s a long way for me to do that right now, I want to focus coaching every type, whether it’s gender or ability. Once I’m confident with that, then why not?”
What is it like playing cricket as an able-bodied player?
“It’s quite cool because you get to see the other side of the sport. It opens your eyes and helps you a bit more, because you get to tackle issues which you wouldn’t in an able-bodied environment – that can help me in coaching.
“Having wheelchair cricket is a big deal! It’s (UEL) the only university to allow wheelchair cricket, so people who are interested can straight away look at it and say ‘look I’ve got another opportunity, I’ve got wheelchair basketball and wheelchair cricket’”.