Coaching Bios

An ECB level 2 coach with a rich background in cricket, Ali has been the captain of the developmental teams at Cheam and coach contributing to the growth of juniors for over three years.

His experience extends beyond Cheam, having coached at other local clubs and academies coaching all aspect of the game.

A former first class cricketer in Pakistan and professional in the central Lancashire League for Oldham, Sajjad has been coaching since 2010 and has coached at Spencer & Esher cricket clubs as well as the AJ academy covering all areas of coaching.

Nas Sayed, led the 2nd XI at Cheam for a number of years and is a decorated captain with 4 Surrey league championships to his name and 6 promotions making him one of the most successful captains in the Surrey Championship in recent times. As well as an astute tactician and student of the game, Nas is renowned for his technical batting knowledge 

and focus on helping young and adult players improve their game to a high standard. Nas has coached several young players on their path to play for their respective county. Nas is also well versed in fast bowling and spin bowling focusing on technique and an individually tailored approach.

Nas is an ECB level 2 qualified coach.

Specialities: Batting, Spin bowling, Fast bowling, Fielding, Captaincy

Mirza Baig, our 1st team captain brings a wealth coaching and playing experience with him. Having played club cricket at the highest of level for a number of clubs in the South East of England, he has in recent years forged an excellent reputation for his coaching skills. 

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As an ECB Level 2 coach, his qualities are unquestioned and he has acquired excellent experience working as a coach at Cheam. In recent times he has further enhanced his repertoire, coaching at many well known clubs in the Kent and East London area. 

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Mirza also plays a pivotal role in our group sessions in academy and also available for 1 to 1 and small group coaching.

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Specialties: Batting, Spin Bowling, Fielding, Captaincy

Level 2 Cricket Coach

Ainan Arif brings a wealth of both professional playing and extensive coaching experience to his role as a Level 2 Cricket Coach. His cricket journey is deeply rooted in heritage Ainan proudly continues a rich cricketing legacy as the son of former Pakistan international Test cricketer, Tasleem Arif. Having enjoyed a successful playing career that included captaining various age-group and senior district teams in Pakistan and representing the first-class team for the National Bank of Pakistan, Ainan transitioned into coaching with a passion for developing complete and confident athletes.

His playing journey also saw him participate in international club cricket in the USA (Milwaukee Cricket Club and Midwest Cricket League) and the UK (Surrey Cricket League), including playing for the Cheam Cricket Club 1st Team in the Surrey Championship.

With over eight years of coaching experience, Ainan has a strong track record of working with players across all age groups. He gained significant experience at the prestigious National Bank of Pakistan Cricket Academy, where he coached players from various age levels from 2012 to January 2025, nurturing young talent and guiding them through crucial development stages.

Ainan specializes in one-on-one coaching, focusing on building a strong foundation in technical skills alongside developing tactical match awareness and a winning mindset. His experience as a former captain provides valuable insights into game strategy and leadership.

Ainan plays a pivotal role in the development of individual players, offering tailored coaching sessions that address specific needs and goals.

Playing Experience Highlights:
* Captained Zone 1 District U-19 (Pakistan)
* Captained Karachi Region U-19 (Pakistan)
* Captained Senior District teams (Pakistan)
* Represented the National Bank of Pakistan in first-class cricket squad
* Selected for Pakistan Under-19 Camp against India (2010)
* Played for USA Milwaukee Cricket Club (2016)
* Played for USA Midwest Cricket League (2017)
* Played for Cheam Cricket Club 1st Team in the Surrey Championship
Coaching Specialities:
* Advanced Batting Techniques
* Advanced Bowling Techniques
* Tactical Match Awareness
* Strength, Agility, and Cricket-Specific Fitness
* Youth Player Development Pathways
* Motivation and Game Mindset