Arav Shetty Signs for Lancashire – Becomes SACA’s 16th Graduate

The South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) is proud to announce that Arav Shetty has signed his first professional contract with Lancashire County Cricket Club, becoming the 16th graduate of our men’s programme.

Arav’s journey to this milestone is one of talent, flair, and resilience — and a story that underlines why SACA exists: to ensure players with the ability and mindset to succeed are given the platform to prove it.

Arav’s SACA journey began in 2023 with a phone call from Lancashire 2nd XI coach Karl Krikken, who recognised the young allrounder’s potential but feared he might narrowly miss out on a professional contract. Krikken reached out to SACA and within a week of that call, Arav was pulling on a SACA shirt for a 2nd XI fixture against Northamptonshire — and he made an instant impression. Scoring an eye-catching 94 and taking 4 wickets, he nearly spun SACA to victory in the fourth innings. It was a statement debut, and a sign of the talent and character he brought to the group.

Batting Brilliance and Flair

What sets Arav apart is not just his numbers, but the way he plays the game, his batting is eye-catching, with a natural flair that makes him a player his team mates and coaches love to watch. He has regularly opened both the batting and the bowling for SACA in white-ball cricket — a rare combination that highlights his versatility and confidence.

During the 2025 pre-season tour to Abu Dhabi, Arav opened the batting in T20 fixtures against Somerset, Nottinghamshire, and Yorkshire 1st XI, showing not only his ability but his temperament against top-level county opposition.

And back on home soil, he etched his name in SACA history by scoring 169 against Warwickshire — at the time the highest individual score ever made by a SACA player (later surpassed by Hishaam Khan). It was an innings full of style, class, and authority, embodying his fearless approach to the game.

A Unique Spinner with X-Factor

Arav is far from a one-dimensional cricketer. As an off-spinner, he possesses a range of unorthodox variations — including sliders and carrom balls — that make him a constant puzzle for batters to line up. His skill and nerve have been on show against the highest calibre of opponents. One of his standout moments came when he opened the bowling in a T20 against international stars Shan Masood and Dawid Malan, conceding just a single run in his first over. That blend of control, variation, and fearlessness has made Arav a vital part of the SACA attack ever since.

Shetty bowling in the nets on tour with SACA

A Journey of Growth

Arav has been a fixture of SACA’s squad since 2023, consistently contributing with both bat and ball. Off the field, he has been one of the most popular members of the group, respected by teammates for his positivity, professionalism, and flair.

His journey with Lancashire 2nd XI tells the story of his growth. When he first featured for them, he often found himself batting as low as number seven, and at times being used as a third-choice spinner. Over the past two years, through hard work and persistence, he has developed into one of their key players — regularly batting in the top four and being trusted as a frontline strike bowler.

A Word from SACA

SACA Founder & MD Dr. Tom Brown praised Arav’s signing as a deserved reward for years of dedication:

“Arav has been with us since 2023 and has been a huge part of our journey. From his very first game, when he nearly won us a 2nd XI fixture single-handedly, we knew we had a special player. His flair, his skill with bat and ball, and his fearless style make him a standout cricketer. But just as importantly, he’s a brilliant character who lifts everyone around him. Lancashire have got a real talent — and a real entertainer. We’re incredibly proud to see him become our 16th graduate.”

Looking Ahead

At just the beginning of his professional journey, Arav’s signing with Lancashire opens the door to even greater heights. Joining a club with a proud history and one of the strongest squads in county cricket, he will have the opportunity to develop his game further, surrounded by experienced professionals and international players.

For SACA, his success is another vindication of the model — one that focuses not just on identifying talent, but on providing the environment and exposure players need to thrive. From a phone call in 2023 to a professional contract in 2025, Arav Shetty’s journey is proof that with opportunity, talent will rise.

Congratulations, Arav — we couldn’t be prouder.

MEET THE GRADUATES