Wanted - Budding professional cricketers

The hunt for the next pop idol, soap actor, and super model have all appeared on TV recently and now Nottinghamshire's Usman Afzaal is to launch a national search for a future professional cricketer.

Under a scheme organised by Afzaal¹s Cricketing Elite (ACE), the left-hander is to be joined by fellow international cricketers Graham Thorpe, Mark Ramprakash, Andy Flintoff, Owais Shah and Chris Lewis to identify promising players.

It is also hoped, international commitments permitting, that the world¹s fastest bowler Shoaib Akhtar, will soon be confirmed among the elite band of "selectors".

Afzaal explained: "The players mentioned will all take part in a two-day coaching clinic at Trent Bridge open to any youngsters aged 13 or above."

I suppose it¹s similar to the 'Pop Idol' idea but this time the cricketers of tomorrow will get a unique opportunity to be taught and chosen by their heroes of today.

"We are hoping for around 700 young players on the course over the weekend and from them, we will select a squad of 15 to take on an all-expenses-paid overseas tour to further improve their game."

Afzaal added that on returning, the best of the bunch will also be referred to county clubs by their illustrious coaches with a view to obtaining trials to become professional players.

The clinics are to be filmed by Sony TV and will be held on Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6 with entry costing £149 per person.

For further information and details of how to get a place on the course contact the ACE office on 0115 979 2512 or 0115 979 2514.

PLEASE NOTE - This release was distributed on behalf of ACE by Bowles Associates.

All media enquiries should be directed to the ACE office on the number above or to Usman Afzaal on 07768 558122.