From Pakistan to Wearside: Talal and Ajlal’s Street cricket journey

“Cricket, I can’t live without it.”

The words of Ajlal, 11, who back in 2024 moved to the UK from Pakistan with his brother, Talal, 16. Both wondered how they could continue their love for tape ball cricket, a constant for them growing up.

Speaking to him two years later at the Chance to Shine National Street Finals, it’s clear that Ajlal’s attachment to the game has flourished after the pair joined Young Asian Voices (YAV) Sunderland Street Club.

“Today was fantastic, I’ve enjoyed it a lot, you can’t ask for a better day. I love it because everyone’s together, you come here and play with your friends,” he says.

His side, Durham YAV, had just won the U15s category, to become national champions for the first time.

The Street National Finals bring together Street clubs from across England, Wales and Scotland so young people can play cricket in a fast-paced format, test out their skills, and have exposure to friendly competition.

YAV Sunderland Street Cricket Club, who represented Durham YAV at the finals, are managed by Sunderland based charity Young Asian Voices and funded by Chance to Shine in collaboration with Durham Cricket Foundation (DCF).

Their mission is centred on developing young people and transforming communities in the area through sport and community, with the Sunderland Street club providing a safe space for young people to play, make friends, and develop their life skills with best-in-class coaches from DCF.

“At YAV, we engage young people, helping them develop leadership skills within our community,” explains DCF coach Kumareswaradas ‘Ram’ Ramanathas.

“Cricket is at the heart of what I do and helps bring communities together.”

Talal used the skills he’s learnt by captaining his team for the young adult’s competition. “It’s a good experience for me to be captaining; there’s so much I learn from all my teammates.”

The progression of both has been impressive. “Initially, they found it difficult to engage in English,” says Ram.

“There was a bit of a language barrier, but through cricket, they’ve improved their communication skills.”

Shahzana Aslam, Cricket Development Officer at DCF, initially introduced the pair to Street cricket at the club. “I’m so proud of how far they have come and what they have been able to accomplish,” she says.

But the guide for both players throughout their time at the club is Ram. “He’s taught me everything that I know,” says Ajlal. “I always make sure to listen to what he tells me. He’s super positive, and before the final he reminded me ‘if we lose today, we go again tomorrow.”

Now, both Ajlal and Talal are at the forefront of their Street clubs and take up traditional cricket at Wearmouth YAV. Wearmouth, another community project in the area, offers a seamless route from Chance to Shine’s Street offering into club cricket.

From Pakistan to the River Wear, tape ball cricket is constant. For Ajlal and Talal, it’s been the key for them to find community, and keep a reminder of home.