Samit Patel believes cricket talent is ripe in the city of Nottingham after inspiring over 50 children at the Street Cricket launch in the Meadows on Thursday.

Samit took part in activities with the group of youngsters aged 8-15 that turned out at the Victoria Embankment and was impressed with what he saw, as awards were handed out to the fastest bowler and biggest hitter.

“It is a privilege to be the face of Chance to Shine in Nottingham. I still remember my Kwik Cricket nights at Kimberley on Fridays and following my dad around when he was playing cricket,” said the Notts Outlaws all-rounder.

“That kind of stuff sticks with you and grassroots cricket is massively important, and I know Chance to Shine will do really well with it in Nottingham.

“Just to get kids down and seeing what cricket is all about is great and it’s important for the future of the sport in Nottingham and throughout the country.

“It is brilliant to see so many kids down here experiencing what is in many cases their first day of cricket.”

Following the launch event, free participation sessions will now take place throughout the summer; on Wednesday evenings on the Forest Recreation Ground and Thursdays on the Embankment.

The cricket will be based around using a ‘tapeball’, which is a regular tennis ball wrapped in tape to create swing and therefore a more exciting game.

After sampling the innovative format, Patel believes it is a great way to get the Asian community of Nottingham involved in the game.

“Tapeball is a very big part of the Asian culture and in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh they are playing it in the back streets and alleyways. It is important to get that back to cricket in the UK,” he said.

“Hopefully this format takes off in Nottingham, you want to see the kids out in numbers and enjoying themselves.

“There is a few who caught my eye today and you just don’t know at this age where the game is going to take them.

“You never know, maybe one or two of these children to go on and play for Notts or even England.”

Free Street Cricket Sessions At Victoria Embankment This Summer:
Thursday 16 June 5pm-6.30pm
Thursday 23 June 5pm-6.30pm
Thursday 30 June 5pm-6.30pm
Thursday 7 July 5pm-6.30pm
Thursday 14 July 5pm-6.30pm
Thursday 21 July 5pm-6.30pm

Free Street Cricket Sessions At Forest Recreation Ground This Summer:
Wednesday 15 June 5pm-6.30pm
Wednesday 22 June 5pm-6.30pm
Wednesday 29 June 5pm-6.30pm
Wednesday 6 July 5pm-6.30pm
Wednesday 13 July 5pm-6.30pm
Wednesday 20 July 5pm-6.30pm

 

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Vs. Worcestershire Rapids – Saturday 9 July 2.30pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Yorkshire Vikings – Friday 15 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Leicestershire Foxes – Friday 29 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

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