Afghan cricketers take delivery of new caps and kit – then brush Kensington hosts aside

Cricket-loving Afghan evacuees have had their dedication to training rewarded with commemorative caps presented by Kensington and Chelsea’s mayor. 

The young players, who have been practicing every week since late 2021, received the caps from Cllr David Lindsay after taking on a select team of councillors in a match in Holland Park on Sunday. 

In addition to the caps, which were funded by the council’s parks contractor Idverde, the players have received bespoke shirts embroidered with the borough’s crest and sporting each player’s name and preferred number.  

Despite some swift bowling from Cllr Johnny Thalassites and inventive strokes from Cllr Tom Bennett, the Afghan team’s training paid off as they emerged victorious. 

As many as 30 players attend free weekly cricket sessions, which have been a huge hit with evacuees staying in bridging hotels in the borough ever since they were started by Head of Leisure and Parks, Ullash Karia in 2021. 

Most of the players prefer not to publicise their names, given the sensitive nature of their status as refugees.  

But one of the regular players, Basir, said: “It was great receiving the new shirts. Before we were all wearing different clothes, but now we have the same shirts and we feel more like a team. It unites us while we are playing cricket. 

“All of the guys were happy to have something that makes them feel united and I hope we keep up our momentum and have more and more victories in our K&CCC blue shirts and caps.” 

Ullash Karia said: “We wanted to give participants a sense of identity and reward them for their regular commitment. They have turned up through the fasting month of Ramadan and the pouring rain in May and now through the prolonged extremely hot spell. 

“Their smiling and beaming faces when they received the shirts and caps speak volumes.” 

In addition to the cricket sessions, the Parks and Leisure team has worked with the council’s leisure operators to offer free three-month memberships to use both Kensington Leisure Centre and Chelsea Sports Centre.

“They are also exploring volunteering, training and work opportunities for the participants through leisure, ground maintenance and the council’s café contract. 

Pictured: Afghan cricketers at Holland Park take on a team from the town hall (Pictures: Kensington & Chelsea council)