Club Cricketers Take Part In Inaugural Manchester Asia Club Cricketers Cup

Club cricketers originating from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan proudly put on their national colours to compete in the inaugural Manchester Asia Club Cricketers Cup.

The MACC Cup, which was played at Alexandra Park in Oldham, was hosted by Friends Sporting Club.

Also present at the Cup were the Lord Mayor of the City of Manchester, local MP’s Mr Afzal Khan and Mr Navendu Mishra, Councillors Naeem Ul Haq, Aftab Razaq and Nathan Baroda.

There was also a special visit from Manchester Original players Fred Klaassen and Mitch Stanley, who were on hand to present the medals.

Sarfraz Malik the Chair of the organising committee was pleased with the turnout and said, “Once again, we have teams representing their nation to play in a competitive sport that is akin to religion in an atmosphere and a spirit of friendliness.”

Meanwhile councillor Nathan Boroda enjoyed the spirit that the tournament was played in and said, “It was a fantastic day and there was a great spirit. The event was wonderful and I am looking forward to many more in the future.”

The feedback from the players involved was excellent too with Istiqlal Hanif, Captain of the Afghanistan team saying, “It was absolutely amazing and we really appreciate what was organised for us. We would love to take part in it again.”

Ismail Iqbal - Captain of the Pakistan team and Deputy Chair was also full of praise and said, “Months of hard work and organisation paid off and under the stewardship of Bahi Sarfraz we had a fantastic day.”