BIRMINGHAM, UK — In a landmark move for the development of women’s cricket, the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) has announced the launch of its inaugural women’s programme, set to commence for the 2026 season. This initiative marks a significant expansion of SACA’s mission to nurture and elevate cricketing talent from the South Asian diaspora, a mission that has already yielded remarkable success with its men’s programme since its founding in 2021.
The academy, renowned for its data-driven and culturally attuned approach to bridging the gap between club cricket and the professional game, will now extend its pioneering methodology to female athletes. The programme aims to identify, coach, and provide a clear pathway for talented women cricketers of South Asian heritage, addressing a notable underrepresentation at the highest levels of the women’s game in England and Wales.
A Vision for Inclusive Excellence
Founded by former Warwickshire batter Tom Brown and cricket researcher Dr. Tom Brown, SACA has quickly established itself as a crucible for talent. Its men’s programme has seen an impressive 17 players earn professional contracts, a testament to its effective model. The decision to launch a women’s arm is a natural and eagerly anticipated evolution. Dr. Tom Brown stated, "Our core belief has always been that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. This is as true for women's cricket as it is for men's. Launching a women's programme is the fulfilment of our original vision for a truly inclusive academy."
The programme will mirror the men’s structure in its commitment to holistic development. This includes not only high-level technical coaching and competitive match play but also crucial support in strength and conditioning, nutritional guidance, mental skills training, and mentorship. A key component will be addressing the specific cultural and societal factors that can sometimes hinder the progression of female athletes from South Asian backgrounds, creating a supportive and understanding environment.
Addressing the Representation Gap
The launch comes at a pivotal time for women’s cricket, which is experiencing unprecedented growth in visibility and professionalism globally. However, despite the immense passion for cricket within British South Asian communities, this has not yet translated proportionally into the professional women’s domestic structure or the England team. Recent data highlights this disparity, making SACA’s intervention both timely and critical.
The programme’s objectives are multifaceted and ambitious:
- Pathway Creation: To provide a definitive and structured pathway from club and county age-group cricket into the regional professional setup.
- Skill Development: To deliver world-class, specialised coaching that refines technical skills and tactical understanding.
- Cultural Competence: To foster an environment that respects and integrates cultural considerations into athlete support.
- Visibility & Inspiration: To create visible role models for the next generation of aspiring cricketers.
Building on a Proven Model
SACA’s women’s programme will leverage the same successful pillars as its men’s setup. This includes its innovative use of data analytics to identify undervalued players, its network of coaches with professional and first-class experience, and its partnerships within the cricket ecosystem. The academy is already in advanced discussions with several regional hubs and First-Class counties to host trials and integrate the programme seamlessly into the existing domestic landscape.
Kadeer Ali, former Worcestershire batter and SACA Head Coach, emphasized the programme’s readiness, "We're not starting from scratch; we're adapting a blueprint that works. We understand the landscape, we have the coaching expertise, and we have the passion to make this a success. The 2026 season is our target, but the groundwork – identifying talent, building partnerships, designing the curriculum – begins now."
The Road to 2026 and Beyond
The announcement for the 2026 season allows for a comprehensive two-year lead-in period. This time will be used to secure funding, finalise strategic partnerships with key stakeholders like the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Regional Hosts of the women’s domestic game, and conduct extensive talent identification scouting across the country. The programme is expected to initially support a cohort of 15-20 athletes, with plans for gradual expansion.
The response from the cricket community has been overwhelmingly positive. Former England women’s captain and ECB Board Director, Clare Connor, hailed the initiative, stating, "The South Asian Cricket Academy has already demonstrated its immense value to the men's game. This expansion into women's cricket is a brilliant and logical step. It has the potential to unlock a vast pool of talent and make our women's professional game more representative of the society it serves."
For aspiring players, this announcement represents a beacon of opportunity. It signals the creation of a dedicated, high-performance environment that understands their unique context. The programme promises not just to develop better cricketers, but to empower young women, build confidence, and provide the tools to navigate a career in an increasingly competitive sporting arena.
A Transformative Step Forward
The launch of SACA’s women’s programme is more than just a new academy offering; it is a transformative step towards a more inclusive and talent-rich future for English women’s cricket. By intentionally creating a pathway for British South Asian women, SACA is addressing a systemic gap with a proven, pragmatic model. As Dr. Tom Brown concludes, "This is about legacy. We want to look back in ten years and see a generation of South Asian women who have thrived at the highest level, inspired by a programme that believed in them first."
With the wheels now in motion for the 2026 season, the South Asian Cricket Academy is poised to write a new and exciting chapter in its story, one that promises to enrich the entire fabric of the women’s game and ensure that the future of English cricket is truly reflective of all its talent.