Cricketing sensation Adil Usman Rashid held a one-to-one mentoring workshop at the Leeds Hamara Centre in Beeston.
The 34-year-old Bradford-born cricketer, became the third Yorkshire-born player of Pakistani extraction to represent the county in 2006, and his 6 for 67 on debut against Warwickshire at Scarborough was a breakthrough moment for his career.
After making a significant impression, he then worked his way through the England Under-19s, Lions and Performance Programmes before making his senior debut at the 2009 World Twenty20.
Since then he has established himself as Yorkshire’s number one spinner and plays for England in One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket, and previously played for the Test team. In domestic cricket, he represents Yorkshire, and has played in multiple Twenty20 leagues, including for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.
His success has been a huge source of inspiration for young budding cricketers of Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi origin living in England, He’s been dedicated to connecting with Asian youth via regular mentoring sessions he holds at grassroots levels.
At the Hamara Centre, Adil went out of his way to speak to a group of young people on the importance of physical activity and making the right life choices.
“It was a privilege to welcome Adil Rashid to Hamara,” says Raheem Mohammed, Interim Director to the community hub in Beeston.
“His achievement in the T20 World Cup inspired so many that we had to personal congratulate him for his skills and accomplishments.
Raheem adds: “I am certain that his words will stick with them [young people] through their journey to adulthood. Adil is a great role model and sportsman, and I look forward to working with him more closely in the near future.”
The event at HamaraCentre was attended by the former Lord Mayor of Leeds, former chair of West Yorkshire Police and crime panel, deputy leader of Leeds City Council – councillor James Lewis, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Mr Iqbal Bana, Dr Manoj Joshua, as well as numerous local young children and prominent members of community.
Chair of Hamara Centre, Mohammed Iqbal, said: “ A huge thanks to Adil Rashid for taking the time out of his busy schedule to visit the Hamara Centre to inspire young people as well our elders in South Leeds. Adil is a real ambassador when it comes to supporting disadvantaged communities.”
