Fab five to tackle world’s best at Indoor Masters World Cup
Five Black Country cricketers are aiming to prove a big hit on the world stage.
Tariq Ali, Zulfkar Fazel, Chris Moseley, Nadeem Akram and Naeem Iqbal jetted out to South Africa this week to represent England in the Indoor Masters World Cup, writes Nick Elwell.
The quintet, who all play in the Birmingham League at Action Sports in Erdington, will be competing in three different age groups in the event in Cape Town after battling their way through a rigorous selection process.
Wolverhampton stalwart Ali will skipper the over-50s side with Wightwick and Finchfield’s Fazel and ex-Bloxwich man Moseley lining up for the over-35s, while former Wolverhampton player Iqbal and Akram (C&R Hawks) are part of the over-45s squad.
England, who are also taking a women’s over-35s team, will be in action against the hosts, Singapore, India, Australia, New Zealand and the UAE.
The trip will prove extra special for 50-year-old Ali after he was handed the lead role in what will be his third World Cup, 10 years after his first call up.
And he is hoping the under-50s can spring a surprise against the powerhouse squads from Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
“I have played in Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia, but this will be my first time in South Africa and I am really looking forward to it,” said Ali.
“I have been playing indoor for 30 years now, and 10 years for England and this is a nice way to mark that.
“Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are very strong in all age groups. They are all backed and funded by their respective cricket boards and indoor cricket is linked with the first class game in those countries.
“But the indoor game is growing in England. There are now programmes for younger players and there is more structure to the game now. We are trying to make it as professional as possible.
“Each squad in South Africa will have a tour manager and coaches, while there will be two physios and a doctor travelling out with us.
“I think the over-50s could be a dark horse. We are certainly more organised now and will be up for the challenge.
“We have been working hard towards this for the last nine months.
“We have had regular training sessions and gone through various trials to get down to 12 players for each squad.”
The tournament runs from October 19-27.
