In Conversation: Lancashire Cricket Foundation with Saqib Mahmood

Saqib Mahmood speaks about cricket with a quiet honesty that reflects his journey into the professional game.

"I always loved cricket" he says. "But i didn't have loads of opportunities. Thankfully i had a great PE teacher and the school were great at supporting my Lancashire age group chances".

That support proved pivotal. Like many state-educated players, Saqib’s pathway relied not just on talent, but on teachers who believed in him and a school willing to give him the time and backing to pursue his ambitions. Without that encouragement, the journey could have looked very different.

Now established in the professional game Saqib is determined to help widen access for the next generation. During visits to projects supported by the Lancashire Cricket Foundation — including facility developments at Burnage Academy for Boys — he saw first-hand the impact of proper investment in grassroots sport.

"Its brilliant to see schools like Burnage with new pitches, indoor and outdoor nets,” he says. “Kids need places to play — that’s how they’ll thrive.”

While Saqib recognises the value of structured coaching, Saqib believes opportunity and freedom are just as important.

"Coaching is great but children want to be let loose, the more they play the better they will become at the game, its about giving them that chance to just enjoy it"

For Saqib the enthusiasm of young players — their curiosity, their questions, their boundless energy — is what keeps cricket vibrant and relevant. With a clear strategic vision and a commitment to community investment, Lancashire Cricket Foundation continues to work towards a simple but powerful goal: ensuring every young person has the opportunity to play cricket close to home and fulfil their potential.