We are delighted to share that RGF grantee Kashif Ali scored an accomplished maiden century for Worcestershire CCC on the opening day of the 2024 County Championship season at Edgbaston.
Kashif struck 110 in what was described as a very composed and richly deserved century.
The story does not end there, though. In Worcestershire’s second innings, Kashif scored his second century of the match.
What a stunning performance from a player who only joined Worcestershire two summers ago on a trial contract from the increasingly renowned Birmingham-based South Asian Cricket Academy.
RGF Chairman and Rob’s Dad, Pip George, said: “The RGF has a very special bond with cricket. Rob loved the game, and to see Kashif score his maiden and second century in the opening game of the 2024 First Class season is a moment of great pride and inspiration for the foundation. We all hope that Kashif can now bat on and score many more centuries and enjoy a rich and rewarding career.”
Kashir said: “It is a huge moment in my cricketing career to make my first century, and to follow it up with a second is beyond my wildest dreams. The RGF played their role in my journey, and I will never forget the support they provided back in 2017. Most importantly, the RGF believed in me – that will always mean so much!”
Kashif came to the UK from Pakistan in 2012 along with his parents and four siblings. He soon developed a passion for cricket and joined Dunstable CC. It was not long before he was selected to represent Bedfordshire. This caught the attention of the Essex CCC Academy, which he subsequently joined and excelled at, often representing the Essex Second X1. The rest is history, and he is now playing for Worcestershire CCC.
Kashif approached the RGF in 2017, the 19-year-old citing his sole ambition to become a professional cricketer. There was no doubting he had the skills, application, and fitness levels to achieve this, but he needed funding to maintain his training routine and to contribute towards his considerable travelling expenses to enable him to attend cricket matches, training, and gym sessions. Kashif’s application was successful, and the RGF supported him with 12 monthly instalments to fund his development.
The first photo shows Kashif at Lords wearing his MCC kit – he was 12th man v Afghanistan in 2017, but most important of all, he is proudly displaying his RGF Grant Letter.
The second photo, also at Lords shows Kashif alongside RGF Chairman and Rob’s Dad, Pip George.
