The Afghan national team captain joined 50 young people, many with Afghan heritage, for a unique cricket coaching session and chance to meet one of cricket’s most exciting players.
The upgrades, delivered in partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Surrey County Cricket Club, will help more local people get involved with the sport.
Improvements include a brand-new high-standard non-turf pitch, expanded and refurbished four-lane cricket nets (doubling previous capacity), and the first phase of work to regenerate the cricket outfield.
While the outfield is currently suitable for softball cricket only, further work is planned over the winter to bring it up to hardball standards in time for the 2026 season.
The project supports Lambeth’s wider efforts to increase participation in cricket and provide safe, well-equipped spaces for local communities to play.
Work has also been completed at Ruskin Park, where two new artificial pitches have been installed, and a third pitch is planned for Clapham Common, subject to final planning approval.
These new sites will host local cricket activities, coaching, and community sessions in partnership with Surrey Cricket Foundation aiming to eventually establish a new club, including a dedicated women and girls’ section.
Word from the Cabinet:
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said:
“This is about more than cricket; it’s about creating opportunities, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and making sure Lambeth’s young people have access to safe, inclusive places to play”
“We’re really proud to be working with Surrey and the ECB to invest in parks like Kennington and open the game up to everyone, especially girls and underrepresented communities.”
The partnership supports Lambeth’s broader goals to improve public space, increase sports participation, and foster community through access to quality local facilities.
