Jafer Chohan: From SACA Graduate to England Cricket Team Selection
The South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) is beyond proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Jafer Chohan, our first graduate to be selected for an England Men's Squad. Jafer’s selection for England’s tour of the West Indies is not only a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work, but also a significant milestone for SACA’s mission to provide opportunities for underrepresented players.
The Breakthrough: Yorkshire and the T20 Blast
Jafer Chohan’s journey to Yorkshire began when he was recommended to SACA by Berkshire’s head coach, Tom Lambert. From the start, Jafer excelled, taking wickets in every game he played for the SACA team. His consistent performances led to a standout display during a SACA Showcase Day, attended by senior coaches from Yorkshire and Lancashire. Impressed by his skills, both counties invited him for trials. Around the same time, Jafer had the opportunity to bowl in the nets to England and Yorkshire star Joe Root, who was so impressed that he personally asked for Jafer’s number to recommend him to the Yorkshire coaching staff.
SACA co-founder and Yorkshire coach Kabir Ali played a crucial role in pushing for Jafer’s selection at the county, recognizing his immense potential. All these factors, combined with his consistent performances, convinced Yorkshire’s Director of Cricket, Darren Gough, to offer Jafer a rookie contract, marking the start of his professional cricketing journey.
During the 2024 T20 Blast season, Jafer delivered a string of outstanding performances, taking 17 wickets at an average of just 15, making him one of the tournament’s standout bowlers. His most memorable moment came against Durham, where he produced a spell of 5 wickets for just 14 runs, Jafer’s match-winning performance not only secured victory for Yorkshire but also cemented his reputation as a top-tier bowler in the T20 format.
Training with the Rashid Brothers: The Key to Success
Throughout his development, Jafer sought to learn from the very best in the game, and SACA provided him with unique opportunities to do just that. One of the most influential factors in Jafer’s progression was the time he spent working with England and world-renowned leg-spinner Adil Rashid and his expert coach brother Amar Rashid, in Bradford.
Jafer worked closely with Adil to fine-tune his bowling, with his experience at the highest level providing Jafer with invaluable insights into the mental and technical aspects of spin bowling. Meanwhile, renowned coach Amar Rashid guided Jafer through structured and focused training sessions to hone his skills and enable him to thrive in high-pressure situations.
Both the mentorship and coaching from the Rashid brothers played a pivotal role in Jafer’s development this season. Their influence gave him the tools he needed to elevate his game, and the results were clear for all to see. The time spent with Adil and Amar not only improved Jafer’s technical abilities but also instilled in him the confidence to believe he could succeed at the highest levels of the sport.
The Big Break: Signing with the Sydney Sixers
Following his outstanding season with Yorkshire, Jafer’s rise in the cricketing world continued when he became the first SACA graduate to sign for a major franchise in a global T20 league. His signing with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) marks a historic moment for both Jafer and SACA. Representing the Sixers in one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues further establishes Jafer as a cricketer with the ability to perform on the international stage.
A Historic Selection: England’s Tour of the West Indies
Jafer Chohan’s selection for England’s tour of the West Indies is a landmark moment for SACA. He is the first of our graduates to be selected for an England squad, a milestone that fills everyone at SACA with immense pride. Jafer’s journey from the academy to the international stage is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and the right support network. Jafer’s selection is not just a personal triumph; it represents a breakthrough for South Asian cricketers across the country. It sends a powerful message that talent, regardless of background, will be recognized and rewarded. At SACA, we believe that Jafer’s success will inspire the next generation of cricketers and encourage more young players from South Asian communities to pursue their dreams.
Looking Ahead
As Jafer embarks on this new chapter in his career, representing England in the West Indies, we at SACA couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead. We are confident that Jafer will continue to make us proud as he takes this next step in his cricketing journey. His story is a reminder of why SACA was created—to provide opportunities, break down barriers, and help talented players reach their full potential. Congratulations, Jafer! We look forward to watching you represent England and continue to inspire cricketers across the country.
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