ECB – Page 2

Welcome to part two of our feature “Sit Down with the Skipper” as we build up to the start of the 2025 season. This time we chat with Pavail Aqueel. He joined the club four years ago and has thrown himself into a leadership role taking charge of the 2ndXI.

Q: How are you feeling ahead of the new season?

PA: Excited and optimistic. I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with the lads, welcome new faces into the side, and build on the momentum from last season. It’s my fourth year at Stretford and second as 2nd XI skipper, and every year it feels more like home.

Q: Have you made any signings, or are there any players to watch out for this season?

PA: We’ve strengthened nicely. Connor Bliss joins the 2nds this year from New Zealand as our overseas — his experience and leadership will be a huge asset. We’ve also picked up two handy all-rounders: Rai Faizan (ex-Knutsford CC) and Kevin Ninan, who’s bringing London energy up north. Uwais Siddique returns as well, which gives us more firepower.

With the ball, keep your eye on Blake Crawshaw — he’s developing fast and bowled with serious maturity last year. And in the batting department, Hamza Arif remains our resident big hitter — if you’re parked near the boundary, maybe move your car.

Q: What are the team’s main goals this year?

PA: Promotion is 100% on the radar. But more than that, I want the team to give their best, play with freedom, and enjoy every moment. Winning becomes easier when you’re having fun and playing for each other. Effort, team spirit, and a few good cricketing memories — that’s the goal.

Q: How does the 2nd XI fit into the wider club structure this season?

PA: The 2nds are a vital bridge between the 1sts and 3rds. We’re here to develop talent, give players opportunities to step up, and ensure there’s a strong pipeline feeding into the top side. A healthy second team means a stronger club.

Q: How important is your role in preparing players for potential 1st XI opportunities?

PA: Very. It’s not just about cricketing ability — it’s about confidence, attitude, and preparation. My role is to help players mentally and technically get ready for that next step. If someone’s pushing for 1st XI, they’ll know about it — and I’ll be backing them all the way. If you’re smashing it in the 2s, I’ll be the first to shout about it.

Q: What does it mean to you to captain the 2nd XI?

PA: It’s a big honour and a good laugh. I get to lead a great bunch of lads, give something back to the club, and stress about the weather forecast every Friday. Thanks to the club for backing me again.

Q: What lessons have you learned from your first season in this role?

PA: A lot! From managing player shortages to keeping morale high during tough games, I’ve learned the importance of patience, organisation, and staying calm under pressure. Communication is key, and I now know that a captain’s job doesn’t stop once the game begins — it’s a constant role. And I’ve also learned that no matter how many times you explain the fielding positions, someone will always ask, “Where do I stand again?”

Q: What personal goals have you set for yourself this year as captain and player?

PA: As captain, I want us to win 70% of our matches and be real contenders for promotion. As a player, I’ve set myself the challenge of scoring over 500 runs and taking 35 wickets. But more than stats, I want to be a consistent performer and lead by example.

Q: What will be your toughest challenges this year?

PA: We’ve got some tough fixtures — Little Hulton, Failsworth Macedonia, Swinton Moorside, Woodhouses. These are quality sides, but we’re backing ourselves this year. The challenge will be consistency, especially during the mid-season stretch.

Q: How important is it to have a strong connection between the 1st XI & 2nd XI?

PA: Massively. A strong bond between teams creates a united club culture. When players move between sides, it should feel seamless. That only happens when there’s mutual respect and open communication.

Q: What do you want to see from the squad, regardless of results?

PA: Commitment and togetherness. Turn up to training, be punctual, do your jobs on matchday, and support one another. Results come and go, but the culture we build is what lasts. If we stay united, the wins will follow.

Q: Any message for club members and supporters ahead of the new season?

PA: We’d love your support — whether you pop down for an hour or stay the whole day. Bring friends, family, and a chair. There’s no better place to spend a summer afternoon than watching local cricket with a cold drink in hand.

Looking forward to a big season ahead. Up the 2s, and up Stretford!

Good news for the club this week when talented youngster Arran Sen rejoined the club. Sen brings all round skills to the club; most of all, quality leg spin, youthful energy in the field and a zest to improve and develop his own game. It’s a definite boost to the 1stXI ranks.

Despite his tender years, Sen already has an impressive CV. He began playing for Stretford aged 7 and moved to Colwyn Bay CC because of schooling aged 11. He broke into the 2ndXI aged 13 before moving to Clifton College in Bristol. Sen joined WG Grace’s Thornbury CC and made his 1st XI debut aged 15 as a leg spinner.

Sen has also gained experience at County age group level playing with Lancashire U13 and Gloucester U16 and travelled to Mumbai at 17 to train and have a taste of cricket overseas.

Stretford 1st XI captain, Adam Saynor, is delighted that Arran has rejoined the club; “I’m extremely excited to have Arran on board. A very talented and promising youngster returning to Stretford, bringing an already vast knowledge of the game. A top order batter and skilful leg spinner, Arran will be a big asset to the 1stXI and strengthen the growing talent we have at the club. Not just on the pitch, Arran will also be getting involved with junior coaching, passing on his wisdom and enthusiasm of the game to the next generation”

Go well this season!