Yasir Arafat spends winter coaching future cricketers at BACA

Former Sussex and Pakistan allrounder Yasir Arafat has spent the winter coaching the next generation of cricketers to come through at the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA).

BACA is the state school partner of Sussex Cricket and this flagship partnership continues to see Sussex Cricket leading the way in giving children at state schools the chance to break into the top tiers of men’s and women’s cricket.

Yasir Arafat joined the team this winter and is working alongside Sussex and Southern Vipers star Georgia Adams, along with Sussex Women’s Head Coach, Alexia Walker, who is also BACA’s Director of Cricket and Sussex Cricket’s U16 Cricket Pathway Coordinator, Phil Hudson.

BACA, who feature in the Cricketers Top 100 Schools for Cricket, offer their state school children cricketing provision as part of their education from ages 12 – 18, with high quality coaching in top-class facilities.

Speaking on his appointment, Alexia Walker, said: “Yasir has been a great addition to the cricket programme at BACA this winter.

“We are delighted that we could bring in such an experienced international player and coach to work with our talented state school cricketers.

“The cricket provision at BACA is growing every year with an array of professional coaches from Sussex helping develop all ages at the school.

“With nearly 50 cricketers on bespoke timetables, we are creating an exciting pool of talent across all age groups.”

Keith Greenfield, Director of Pathways and Partnerships for Sussex Cricket, added: "Yasir joining the programme is another significant appointment in our partnership and a further step to enhance the quality of the coaching provision to our participants at BACA.

"He will also be playing an active part in the development of our Urban Cricket plans in Brighton and Crawley."

Arafat played over 200 first-class games in spells for Sussex, Kent and Surrey, as well as playing for Pakistan on 27 occasions across all formats.

He was also employed as a coaching consultant at Surrey CCC in 2022 and has spoken of his delight at being able to help the next generation develop at the academy: “I am really enjoying spending time coaching some excellent cricketers at BACA.

“The facilities and support they are given are world class and it is a pleasure to watch them develop their skills over the winter. It is a really exciting place to be if you are a keen cricketer.”

Any students or parents who are interested in finding out more can visit the BACA website or contact Alexia Walker, BACA Director of Cricket on alexiawalker@baca-uk.co.uk