“Within the Asian community, sport is still not viewed as a wise career choice,” Saba, the recipient of a BEM (British Empire Medal) and more recently a British Citizen Award (BCA), for her outstanding contribution to community cohesion, told us. Cricket coach by night and solicitor by day, Saba has transformed the lives of many young girls, especially from British-Asian backgrounds by leading through strong example. Having established a steady legal career, Saba returned to her passion of cricket; a sport she had watched a lot with her family growing up, by joining Wanstead Cricket Club. At her local faction, she noticed that many girls were sitting silently, simply observing from the side. “They were perhaps intimidated seeing a predominantly male-dominated arena,” Saba told us. “If you are used to seeing just your brothers or fathers play, that’s what you’re likely to think. I felt these girls whose interest had clearly been piqued, could benefit from having a female role model to actually motivate them to play.” That was it: Saba made sure to set up all-girls classes at her club, voluntarily coaching more and more young women in cricket as a wonderful, confidence-building sport: “ I wanted to show the ladies that the physical skills they saw embodied in boys were just as accessible to them - and sure enough - once they felt surer amongst themselves - many of my girls have since moved into mixed teams. They just needed that extra, little encouragement. For example, verbally confirmation that: ‘your bowling has improved!” Saba also stressed the extent of the character building, which can be achieved through recreational or professional sport. “I have noticed that the sportier kids are also the ones who tend to thrive academically. Their personal confidence allows them to be able to balance all the aspects of their lives. They are the most well-rounded individuals.”
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Interestingly, the noun ‘cricket’ can also be used as a synonymous adjective for ‘fair’ or ‘equitable’. This is certainly the way Saba continues to reform her very British endeavour. After receiving formal training as a coach, she created her own official project for all aspiring, young female cricketeers: the Redbridge Rangers. As well as being British- Asian, Saba is also Muslim, and incorporates and honours girls of all faiths, planning around prayer times and religious periods to maximise inclusiveness, and increase the number of girls who are inspired. “Cricket helps girls understand they can play hard, but also fairly and with great focus. With the self-esteem built from the sport, I believe a sense of long-term commitment and dedication is fostered, which will always help the girls, whatever their future goals. Cricket builds good leadership. That’s why in addition to my cricketing initiative, I’ll also go into different schools to help girls get a feel for and learn a little of the sport at lunchtimes and introduce them to the game.” When Saba was at school, she recalled that the institution predominantly offered Rounders, and that she had to fight to bring in cricket. Ever the sporty crusader then, Saba emphasised: “I absolutely encourage the recreational activity of cricket, but it would be great to witness one of the girls going on to become a cricket coach themselves, or even to one day, see them play at county or national level!” Thus, not only does Saba work to make cricket a truly multicultural and diverse sport – enjoyed by the Indian community for generations, but not always represented authentically in the proverbial field – but represents the current zeitgeist of pushing youngsters, from all backgrounds, to seize careers that they really want. “You can be a professional and still make time for physical health and activities,” the sporty ambassador added. “I’m a solicitor full-time and quite well educated, but that does not detract from exercise or my cricketing dreams.”
How might you ease new players into the game?
As well as offering after-hours opportunities, I’ll use a tennis ball, wrapped up in tape, to help beginners acclimatise to the sport before moving them into professional hard ball.
What, for you, distinguishes cricket from other sports?
It’s both a team and individual’s game. You are responsible for your own batting and bowling, but must heed the team dynamic. This incorporates everyone’s individual strengths. The social side means you meet new people and the community improves its health as more youngsters play.
Cricket is also a very mental game. It involves patience and decision-making, and equally quick reactions depending on the context. You’ve got to think tactically and be alert to win the game.
What’s false preconception about cricket?
That it’s boring! Test matches do go on for a long time but they’re bringing in shorter formats of the game to keep people interested.
What have been some rewarding moments?
When three of my girls, under the charity I work for - Chance to Shine – completed that training level, and achieved young leaders of the community accolades.
What has been a highlight?
Playing cricket outside 10 Downing Street! We tried to get the PM to play too. The invite was a great experience for the girls, continuing to raise the profile of the sport.
Does all-girls cricket encourage a feeling of sisterhood?
Yes, we all go out for team meals and some girls end up making friends for life. It really brings people together who might not otherwise have met – we have a good laugh. I'm glad I can give back to the community in this way, helping spread the power of sport as well as empowering young women.
Where do you see yourself taking this cricketing project in the future?
Making a difference at grassroots level is important for me. That’s where it begins. I want to continue coaching at schools and clubs, and open up the project to more areas in the country. In a wider sense, I hope there will be more female role models in the media, yet more effectively increasing gender diversity through the public platform.
Do you have a ‘ game-face’ motto?
It’s a combination of trying your best, and continuing on if you fail. If you give it your all, you know you did everything possible so you have motivation to pick yourself up and try again.
Finally, what’s been a particularly memorable game you’ve watched?
It has to be last year when Pakistan won the Champions trophy.
T: @sabanasim7