The South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) has announced a 10-day pre-season tour to Abu Dhabi, the first of its kind for the organisation. In just three years since its founding, SACA has evolved from an idea into a competitive programme—now set to test itself against some of the biggest names in county cricket.
From March 11, the squad will arrive in the United Arab Emirates and immediately join up with Somerset, Nottinghamshire, Essex, Warwickshire and Yorkshire to compete in the inaugural Abu Dhabi T20 Super Cup. The three-day tournament will see the players challenge themselves against the First XIs of major counties—an opportunity Co-Founder and Managing Director Tom Brown believes is a defining moment for SACA.
“Playing against 1st XIs in an actual competition shows just how far we’ve come since starting in 2022,”
says Brown.
Following the T20 Super Cup, SACA will move straight into a two-day red-ball fixture against Essex, giving the players another chance to demonstrate their abilities as they head into the 2025 season. Brown makes it clear that simply showing up is not enough:
“We’re here to showcase the depth of talent in the squad. But make no mistake—our aim is to compete in this competition and make a real mark.”
Despite missing some key white-ball performers such as Feroze Khushi, Thilan Walallawita, and Nikhil Gorantla, there’s a quiet confidence within the coaching staff that the touring party will rise to the occasion. And there’s plenty of momentum fueling that belief. Since its inagural year in 2022 10 SACA secured professional county contracts. Most notably Zaman Akhter represented England Lions, and Jafer Chohan became the first SACA graduate to earn an international call-up with England’s white-ball squad.
“Winter has gone well,” Brown continues.
“All the hubs are reporting in strong, and we’ve already had a number of players on trial. We’re hopeful of getting more across the line in the coming months.”
For these up-and-coming players, Abu Dhabi represents more than just competitive cricket at world class facilities —it's a chance to solidify their reputations and push for professional contracts as the 2025 season approaches.
Another major storyline of this tour is that three former SACA graduates—Jafer Chohan (Yorkshire), Zen Malik (Warwickshire), and Andy Umeed (Somerset)—will be suiting up for their professional counties and facing off against the very academy they once called home. Having progressed through the SACA ranks, they now provide the perfect example of what’s possible for today’s squad.
Players to Watch
Stay tuned for an in-depth look at a few names who could light up the tournament and stake their claim for professional opportunities.
Amrit Basra - The 22 year-old who was previously on Northants’ books is coming off the back of a hugely successful 2024 season where he scored over 1000 runs including a top score of 150 against Sussex 2nd XI. An aggressive top order batsman with the ability to bowl useful right arm seam, Amrit will be looking to impress on the tour.
Hassan Moughal - The 19 year old fast bowler is almost the definition of a late developer as 18 months ago he wasn't in any pathway system. However, since being spotted by Amar Rashid at the Adil Rashid Cricket Centre he has become a real prospect standing at 6'3" and bowling at decent pace and has caught the eye of several counties this winter.
Arav Shetty -In 2024 Arav finished both SACA's leading run scorer and leading wicket taker. A stylish batter with a lot flair he'll look to dominate the power plays and get SACA off to the best possible starts in the T20 cup. He also bowl untraditional off breaks with the ability to mix things up with a whole host of variations.
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SACA 2025 Abu Dhabi Pre-Season Tour Squad
Players:
Amrit Basra, Arav Shetty, Ismail Mohammed, Daz Ahmed, Vansh Jani, Adeel Shafique (wk), Sami Khan (wk), Hishaam Khan, Hassan Moughal, Arafat Bhuiyan, Manraj Johal, Chinmay Mullapudi, Kam Khanna, Shaariq Sheikh, Hamidullah Qadri
Coaches:
Tom Brown (Head Coach), Dom Ostler (Batting Coach), Gemaal Hussain (Bowling Coach), Aadil Ali (Assistant Coach), Matthew Parker (Physio), Callum Van Dyk (Psychologist)
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Key Tour Dates
March 11 – Arrive in UAE
March 14 – Abu Dhabi T20 Super Cup Day 1
March 15 – Abu Dhabi T20 Super Cup Day 2
March 16 – Abu Dhabi T20 Super Cup Finals Day
March 19 – SACA vs Essex Day 1
March 20 – SACA vs Essex Day 2
March 21 – Depart UAE
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This tour highlights the strides SACA has made in its mission to develop the next generation of South Asian cricket talent. As the players leave behind the cold of winter training and enter the heat of Abu Dhabi they’re preparing to show just how far SACA has come.
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