Although it would be wonderful to have a magic wand and transform many of the needs that the South Asian Cricketing Community (SACC) desire, the actual list may not be exhausted and certainly not as unrealistic as it may seem.
From holding extensive dialogue with representatives of the South Asian Cricketing Community dating as far back as 2012, it has become clear on not only what the needs are but also who the very real and practical partners can be, which should then help address the needs of the SACC.
The ambitions of the SACC can be traced and tracked to the following:
1. Requiring assistance and help with grounds/facilities plus access to funding/training for improvement and maintenance of grounds.
2. Identifying and supporting talented young cricketers at an early stage for County Age Group Programmes, especially from inner cities. Clear pathways that are then supported with clarity and true intentions that will then benefit young players from the SACC.
3. Identifying and supporting aspiring or experienced coaches for all levels in the game from grassroots to elite level.
4. Identifying and supporting aspiring or experienced umpires for all levels in the game from grassroots to elite level.
5. Identifying and supporting aspiring or experienced scorers for all levels in the game from grassroots to elite level.
6. Opportunities for supporting or working within cricket administration.
For the above to truly take shape it is imperative that key stakeholders with the portfolio of authority and decision making are engaged with and a clear framework is put in place with real clarity and direction.
The stakeholders and partners that are key in supporting the ambitions are:
1. ECB
2. County Boards, County Cricket Clubs and Academies
3. Traditional local cricket leagues and administrators
4. Local Authorities and partners with sporting portfolios
5. ECB – Coaches Association
6. ECB – Association of Cricket Officials
Although great efforts have been made in working together with even some small successes, it is still imperative that the root cause of disconnect at various levels with key stakeholders is addressed. With the above information as guidance for dialogue and potential partnerships to develop only then can we see a true and fairer representation of the SACC across many fronts in England & Wales and thus truly bringing the cricketing family closer and not just be wishful thinking.
