Afghan cricketers recruited by MCC

Date released: 3 May 2006

Marylebone Cricket Club is recruiting two young cricketers from Afghanistan. Their talent was spotted when they played key roles in steering their country to a 171 victory over the Club in the first-ever MCC v Afghanistan fixture - played, in late March, in Mumbai.

Mohammed Nabi scored an undefeated century - 116 not out - against the MCC attack, while Hamid Hassan impressed MCC's batsmen (who included Mike Gatting, the former England captain) with the skill, aggression and pace of his bowling.

Mohammed and Hamid will join MCC in mid-season and then play for the Club in another landmark match - the first-ever MCC v Europe fixture - in The Netherlands in June.

They will subsequently join the ranks of the MCC Young Cricketers at Lord's and receive expert guidance from the Club's coaching staff, which is headed by Clive Radley - the former Middlesex and England batsman.

The many Young Cricketers to have benefited from Clive's coaching - as well as the world-class fitness and practice facilities at Lord's - include Rikki Clarke (England), Hamish Marshall (New Zealand) and Darren Sammy (West Indies).

Mohammed Nabi and Hamid Hassan will spend at least a month as MCC Young Cricketers; their performances will then be reviewed, and their spells with the Club could be extended.

MCC's Head of Cricket, John Stephenson (right), said: "I am delighted that Mohammed and Hamid will be joining MCC. Their recruitment is one of the many positive developments to have stemmed from the pioneering match, in March, between MCC and Afghanistan; their talent was soon spotted by our players and our President, Robin Marlar, who was its prime mover. He shares my delight at today's news."

John continued: "MCC will give Mohammed and Hamid every opportunity to develop their skills and broaden their cricketing experience. They will benefit from great facilities, some tremendous playing opportunities and, in Clive Radley, an outstandingly good coach. Everyone at MCC is looking forward to welcoming them to Lord's."