Meteoric rise for Bradford side in local council league
Three years ago Khan Cricket Club played its first game in the West Riding Council League, heading out onto the field for a debut in Division Two.
Last month, that same team of players were celebrating a meteoric rise in the amateur league as they clinched the Division One title with victory over West Bowling Attock.
A campaign to remember for the Sunday side, Khan CC had to overcome highly rated opposition as well as the unpredictable British weather to earn the division’s top prize.
Manager, Sijad ‘Sijyy’ Khan, has been in his role since Khan CC’s formation ahead of the 2013 season and said he could not have worked with ‘a better bunch of lads’.
“To win the Division One title just three years after forming has been an extremely difficult challenge for the team but what an achievement to have accomplished it,” he said.
“Despite the weather threatening to hamper our title challenge, we played our best, week-in week-out, and didn’t let it stop us from winning the title.
“The club has witnessed exceptional growth since Shafiq Khan established the side and it is teamwork that has earned us our success. Now the challenge is to retain the trophy next season in an increasingly harder division.”
In total, five of Khan CC’s games were washed out last season due to rain, as weather conditions proved a challenging opponent for the side.
However, it was eventually consistent performances, at home and away, which ensured the local club succeeded in the top division.
“Every player has played their part this season, completing their individual jobs for the benefit of the whole team,” Sijyy added.
“A special mention has to go to our men of the series, Sajjad Khan and Amir Rehman, whilst the captain, Niaz Khan, has guided us all the way.
“Naheem Ul-haq, Mohammed Yasir, Mohammed Siraj, Uzhair Babu, and coach, Rab Nawaz, have also been consistent all season with their high levels of performance.”
Khan CC will officially present their players with their Division One accolades at their annual presentation evening next month.
