Black History Month | Abi Sakande the Changemaker
Celebrating Cricket's Changemakers: Abi Sakande
This Black History Month (2024) we are celebrating changemakers in cricket. So who better to kick off the series than former Sussex and Leicestershire fast bowler Abi Sakande who has used his off-the-field roles as a former trustee of the Sussex Cricket Foundation and as a current PCA Inclusion champion to make a difference in the game.
Every journey into cricket is different, but there can’t have been too many to have ventured through Burkina Faso on the way to becoming a professional for both Sussex and Leicestershire.
But that is the route taken by Abidine Sakande thanks to his West African father and British mother, both academics, who knew little of the game that would provide him with a living for more than five years before he used his own academic prowess to join the Civil Service.
Even though Sakande is no longer playing professionally, he remains committed to the game following a stint as a trustee on the Sussex Cricket Foundation for three years, and now as a recreational player and a Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) Inclusion Champion.
And his connection to his father’s homeland also remains strong.
“I was born in Cheshire but we moved away because my dad was from Burkina Faso in West Africa,” Sakande says.
“So my first few years were in Burkina Faso and then in the Netherlands and then we came back to the UK in 2000 when I was six years old.
“Cricket is not really a major sport in Burkina Faso, it is just starting to become a sport but it is not well known, so I try to explain it to my family and say “Jou jou le cricket!” And they ask ‘what is this game?’”
Sakande could have felt daunted by trying to explain and encourage a whole new sport in a country where it remains in its infancy, but showing some of the qualities that he has already put to good use in the UK, he has embraced it.
He donated kit and carried out coaching sessions on his most recent trip to the country and that is in keeping with a character who is happy to get things done, with the support of others.
It was in the aftermath of the increased awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 that Sakande decided to get more actively involved in trying to make a difference in cricket and it worked, thanks to the allies he found at Sussex and the PCA.
“I would say, find allies early, because it's very difficult to be a changemaker on your own,” Sakande says. “I wouldn't have done any of the things that I've been able to do without that group of people around me who gave me that positive feedback.
“In that initial period in 2020 I was questioning Sussex and I was questioning the PCA and asking, what are you actually doing when you say that you have solidarity? What is behind these words? Have you actually got any programs in place? Have you looked at the population, demographic statistics? You say you care, but what's actually behind that?
“And I was grateful that, in terms of Sussex, becoming a trustee, that was one way that I felt like I could help, use my voice and advocate for more inclusion and more programs to happen across the county, to increase the representation, increase the diversity, increase the pool, from which we can pick talented cricketers to come into the game.
“In terms of the PCA we created the equality, diversity and inclusion working group because it got the right stakeholders around the table. When I was advocating for change, there was a room full of people who could actually listen to what I was saying and take action and drive that program forward, which was a rewarding process for me.”
Sakande has taken his role further by actively helping to educate professional players on EDI issues and making sure that the old status quo is shifting in the right direction for the next generation coming into the game.
“It’s an honour to be named or have somebody identify me as being a changemaker,” he adds. “It requires somebody, somewhere, to kind of take the initiative, to say that, you know what? The status quo isn't suiting everyone, and we have a responsibility to do something about it.”
Sakande’s work has meant a much more fulsome picture for the game around EDI issues and has meant that players can feel much more open and more communicative in this area, leading to greater understanding.
But what about those who are perhaps feeling a little tired of the conversation and the push for more change?
Sakande says: “The pendulum swings and people become a bit kind of weary of inclusion discussions. EDI, blah, blah, blah. EDI, tiredness, change tiredness. People have been banging on about this for years now. Why are we still talking about this?
“I think it's about kind of trying to shape the landscape so that it's not going to be undoing where we've got to. We're trying to make cricket as a game more inclusive. We're trying to make sure that, people are safe and they and they don't have the experience of discrimination, things that universally everybody would agree about. That's always been the intention.”
Stay tuned for more inspirational stories throughout October and beyond as we continue our 'Celebrating Cricket's Changemakers' series.
Words and creative by sports media consultant and journalist Dean Wilson
Sussex Cricket Sensory Room is put on the map
Sussex Cricket Sensory, Inclusion & Quiet Room Joins Newly Launched Sports Sensory Map by Spautism
Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that its Sensory, Inclusion and Quiet Room has been published on the newly launched Sports Sensory Map by Spautism.
Sussex's Sensory Room joins nearly 100 other sports clubs across the county that are listed on the interactive map, which also highlights the support each venue provides to those seeking assistance.
Full Spautism Press Release
Spautism has published an interactive guide to the sensory support that professional football, rugby, and cricket clubs offer for fans on matchdays.
The map is powered by Google Maps, and each featured club has a short description outlining what sensory support they provide - from sensory packs, through to quiet spaces and sensory rooms - as well as website links and contact information where possible.
There are close to 100 clubs and venues listed on the map, including well-known names from the Premier League, English Football League, Scottish Premiership, Premiership Rugby, Super League, and first-class cricket, in addition to national/neutral stadiums.
Please click here to view the Sports Sensory Map: https:1/sport.li/nk-sensorymap
Tom Cliffe, Director at Spautism, said: "The aim of creating this map was to make information about sensory support easily accessible for sports fans. They can quickly use the map as a guide to what provisions clubs and venues provide on matchdays, and access links and contact details to seek more information.
"While some autistic fans enjoy noise and intensity at sports matches, others can find the environment overwhelming.
"This, with support from several quality organisations has results in many clubs across the country providing more sensory support for fans who need it. But more can still be done.
"While this map highlights those who have provided or are planning to provide sensory support, we also hope it encourages other clubs and venues who don't offer sensory support to work with us on making their matchdays more inclusive for everyone."
Jaydev Unadkat signs two-year deal
Jaydev Unadkat Signs Two-Year Deal with Sussex
Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Jaydev Unadkat will return to Sussex in 2025 and 2026.
The India Test bowler will be available in the County Championship for the final run-in for both seasons.
Jaydev initially joined Sussex as an overseas bowler at the back end of the 2023 season, taking 15 wickets in just 3 appearances, before returning for the final 5 games of the County Championship in 2024.
His impact was once again tremendous, taking 22 wickets at an average of just 14.4 as Sussex won the Division Two title.
Sussex Head Coach Paul Farbrace said: “Everyone at Hove is very pleased and excited that Jaydev has signed a two-year extension and will be returning to the Club for the next two seasons.
“Jaydev’s quality on the pitch has been so evident for everyone else to see, but just as importantly his qualities as a person make him one of the most popular and nicest guys any team could wish for.”
Speaking on the new deal, Unadkat added: “When I came to Hove last year, I wasn’t sure what was on offer in the County Championship and how would I adapt to it.
“But after a few games now, I can definitely say Hove is my home away from home and Good Old Sussex by The Sea has my heart!
“For that, I would like to thank Farby and everyone in the team, for making me feel like I belong here.
“I had a fabulous time with the boys, on our way to winning the Div 2 title, and I would like to congratulate everyone at Sussex, including our passionate fans.
“I can’t wait to be back for the next season and further!”
2025 Sussex Memberships On Sale Now
What a season 2024 has been! We can't thank you enough for your support in a season that saw us reach Finals Day and secure our return to Division One of the Vitality County Championship.
Join us for the journey into Division One next season, with a Sussex Membership. Find all the information you need to renew or purchase your Membership here.
End of Season Awards - The Winners!
Sussex Cricket Comes Together to Celebrate Season
Last week the staff and players from the Men's, Women's, Disability and Senior Sussex teams came together for the Club's End of Season Awards night, the first time in the Club's history that all team's have celebrated together, under one roof.
Sponsored by Webtrends Optimize, the groundbreaking event took place at The American Express Stadium the day after the Men's First Team lifted the Vitality County Championship Division Two title and was attended by over 300 people from across seven teams.
Here is your round-up of all the winners from all of the categories.
The Winners
Player of the Year, Sponsored by Dentalbuild
- Men's Red Ball Player of the Year: John Simpson
- Men's White Ball Player of the Year: Daniel Hughes
- Women's 20 Over Player of the Year: Chiara Green
- Women's 50 Over Player of the Year: Lucy Western
- D40 Quest Player of the Year: Elliot Brown
- D40 Pursuit Player of the Year: Josh Dixon
- Sussex Sharks VI Player of the Year: Simon Ledwith
- Sussex Super 9s Player of the Year: Callum Galloway
Chiara Green had an outstanding 2024 for Sussex Women, taking on captaincy and leading with bat and ball
Most Improved Player of the Year, Sponsored by Aldridge Cricket Academy
- Men's Most Improved Player of the Year: Harrison Ward
- Women's Most Improved Player of the Year: Mollie Adams
- D40 Quest Most Improved Player of the Year: Aston Stuart
- D40 Pursuit Most Improved Player of the Year: Toby Booker
- Sussex Sharks VI Most Improved Player of the Year: Phil Daniels
- Sussex Super 9s Most Improved Player of the Year: George Adams
Aston Stuart picks up his Most Improved Player of the Year Award
Sparkling Moment of the Year, Sponsored by Ridgeview
- Men's Sparkling Moment of the Year: Ollie Robinson
- Women's Sparkling Moment of the Year: Sussex Women First XI
- D40 Quest Sparkling Moment of the Year: Sam Webster
- D40 Pursuit Sparkling Moment of the Year: Meg Loveland
- Sussex Sharks VI Sparkling Moment of the Year: Dan Field
- Sussex Super 9s Sparkling Moment of the Year: Jacob Garmston
Ollie Robinson picks up his award for dismissing Phil Salt with the first delivery of the quarter-final
The Chair's Award: Tom Alsop
This year's Chair's award from Jon Filby was given to Tom Alsop for his outstanding contributions to the Sussex Cricket Foundation and for his efforts across the season helping to coach and train the Sussex Disability Teams.
Alsop has spent many weekends working with the D40 and VI teams, helping them to work on their games, truly embodying the values of Sussex Cricket.
Jon Filby presents Tom Alsop with the Chair's Award for 2024
Sussex 70+ 1st XI Lift the National 60/70+ County Championship Vase Trophy
As well as celebrating the individual achievements of many fantastic players at Sussex Cricket, the evening was an opportunity to once again honour the Sussex 70+ 1st XI, who won this year's National 60/70+ County Championship Vase Trophy.
Crocombe and Coles selected for Lions
Henry Crocombe and James Coles selected for England Lions
Henry Crocombe and James Coles have been selected in the England Lions squad for this winter's tour of South Africa.
The selection represents a first Lions call-up for Henry Crocombe, who came through the Sussex Academy.
Both players enjoyed a successful end to the season as Sussex clinched the Division Two title with Crocombe taking a career-best 4-22 against Gloucestershire to help us secure promotion in Bristol, whilst Coles hit an unbeaten 132 off 150 balls with the bat and taking 4-61 with the ball in the final match of the season against Middlesex.
Congratulations Henry and James! #GOSBTS
Full ECB announcement:
The England Men's Lions have confirmed a 19-player squad to tour South Africa from 20 November to 14 December. The camp will focus on supporting the development of the highest potential players, with a focus on individualised and high-quality training. The tour will conclude with a four-day match against South Africa A in Western Province. The tour is designed to further develop England's talent pool across both formats and all skills.
England Lions Squad:
Farhan Ahmed (Nottinghamshire)
Zaman Akhtar (Gloucestershire)
Kasey Aldridge (Somerset)
Pat Brown (Derbyshire)
Jafer Chohan (Yorkshire) – part involvement
James Coles (Sussex)
Henry Crocombe (Sussex)
Josh Hull (Leicestershire)
Matt Hurst (Lancashire) – part involvement
Tom Lawes (Surrey)
Freddie McCann (Nottinghamshire)
Ben McKinney (Durham)
Harry Moore (Derbyshire)
Dan Mousley (Warwickshire)
Dillon Pennington (Nottinghamshire)
James Rew (Somerset)
Hamza Shaikh (Warwickshire)
Mitch Stanley (Lancashire)
John Turner (Hampshire)
The group includes six players – Jafer Chohan, Henry Crocombe, Matt Hurst, Freddie McCann, Harry Moore, and Mitch Stanley – who are experiencing their first Lions call-up.
Due to their Big Bash League commitments, Chohan, the Yorkshire leg-spinner, and Lancashire wicketkeeper-batter Hurst will join for part of the tour. Notably, Chohan, who this week was selected for the England white-ball squad for their tour of the West Indies, is the first graduate of the successful South Asian Cricket Academy to be selected for an England squad.
Four players have previously been involved in England’s senior squads: Pat Brown, Josh Hull, Dan Mousley, and Dillon Pennington. Derbyshire seamer Brown represented England at T20 level, with the last of his four caps coming in November 2019. Leicestershire seamer Hull earned his England Test debut last month at The Kia Oval against Sri Lanka.
This tour will mark the first for newly appointed England Lions Head Coach Andrew Flintoff. The former England international and current coach of the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, will lead the Lions over the next 12 months.
England Men’s Lions Head Coach, Andrew Flintoff, commented:
“We’re delighted to have such a high-potential group of players heading to South Africa. In selecting these players, we have a mix of well-established performers who’ve been in the England setup and excelled in the domestic game, through to some of the most exciting young talent coming through.
“The camp will support and accelerate the players’ development, provide insight into various aspects of the international setup and aid their transition into future performance setups”.
England Men’s Performance Director, Ed Barney, commented:
“Selection aligns with England’s short and long-term needs across all formats, and we will continue supporting a group of exciting pace bowlers. Over half the squad consists of seamers, reflecting our continued focus on supporting these players to achieve their potential.
“We are also excited about the competitive match opportunities, with a four-day fixture against South Africa A offering the opportunity for the squad to enjoy putting their skills on show against strong opposition.”
The full coaching and support staff will be announced shortly.
Jofra Archer selected for England squad
Jofra Archer selected for England's Tour of the West Indies
Sussex's Jofra Archer has been slected in the ODI and T20 squads for England's upcoming tour of the West Indies.
England will play three ODI's starting on 31st October before taking to the field for five T20 matches in November. Good luck, Jofra!
Full ECB Announcement:
The England Men's selection panel has named a 14-player squad for the upcoming T20 and ODI series away to West Indies in October and November.
England Men’s squad:
Jos Buttler (Lancashire – Captain)
Jofra Archer (Sussex)
Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire)
Jafer Chohan (Yorkshire)
Sam Curran (Surrey)
Will Jacks (Surrey)
Liam Livingstone (Lancashire)
Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire)
Dan Mousley (Warwickshire)
Jamie Overton (Surrey)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Phil Salt (Lancashire)
Reece Topley (Surrey)
John Turner (Hampshire)
England Men’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler is set to return for the white-ball tour of West Indies later this month. Buttler missed the recent Vitality T20 and Metro Bank ODI Series against Australia as he continued his recovery from a calf injury.
Yorkshire leg-spinner Jafer Chohan earns his first England Men’s call-up and becomes the first graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy to be selected to an England Men's squad.
John Turner and Dan Mousley are the only other uncapped players. Both were a part of the recent white-ball squads against Australia, while Turner also toured the Caribbean last December.
An initial 14-player squad has been selected, which will be supplemented with two players from the Test squad in Pakistan. A decision on the two players to join the white-ball squad in the Caribbean is to be made after selection for the third Test in Rawalpindi, which begins on Thursday 24 October.
England Men will play West Indies Men in three ODIs and five T20s during the three-week tour of Antigua, Barbados and St Lucia.
2024 England Men’s white-ball tour of West Indies schedule:
CG United ODI Series
1st ODI: West Indies v England; Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua – Thursday 31 October (1800 GMT)
2nd ODI: West Indies v England; Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua – Saturday 2 November (1330 GMT)
3rd ODI: West Indies v England; Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados – Wednesday 6 November (1800 GMT)
CG United T20 Series
1st T20: West Indies v England; Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados – Saturday 9 November (2000 GMT)
2nd T20: West Indies v England; Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados – Sunday 10 November (2000 GMT)
3rd T20: West Indies v England; Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia – Thursday 14 November (2000 GMT)
4th T20: West Indies v England; Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia – Saturday 16 November (2000 GMT)
5th T20: West Indies v England; Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia – Sunday 17 November (2000 GMT)
SUSSEX CLAIM DIVISION TWO TITLE
Sussex Win Division Two Title
Tom Haines and James Coles both scored centuries as Sussex clinched the second division title on a day of celebrations at Hove.
Haines made 105 – his third hundred of the season – and Coles hit an unbeaten 132 as Sussex finished the season undefeated at the 1st Central County Ground after drawing with Middlesex.
They began the final day on 112 for two, needing to reach 250 and a fourth bonus point to ensure promotion as champions.
There was a slight sense of anti-climax shortly after lunch when Luke Hollman overstepped and the two no balls took Sussex to 250, but the celebrations out in the middle, where Coles and skipper John Simpson embraced warmly, and on the pavilion balcony showed what it meant as Sussex returned to Division One after a nine-year absence.
Sussex finished 20 points clear of Yorkshire, having won eight of their 14 games.
There had still been a bit of work to do at the start before the celebrations could begin and Haines and Tom Alsop settled any nerves by putting on 123 in 35 overs for the third wicket with few alarms. Alsop passed fifty for the eighth time this season and must have fancied his chances of converting it into a first hundred, only to mistime a pull off Josh De Caires to deep mid-wicket.
Haines reached a chanceless hundred – the 12th of his career - with a cut through backward point off Hollman for his 13th boundary only to fall just before lunch when he bottom-edged into his stumps to reward Hollman’s perseverance.
Once Sussex had achieved their objective the cricket not surprisingly lost any intensity. Ryan Higgins bowled off breaks instead of his usual medium-fast seamers, Luis du Plooy gave his left-arm tweakers an airing as Middlesex employed nine bowlers including Mark Stoneman, who sent down seven overs in his final game for the county, and wicketkeeper Jack Davies.
Not that Coles or Simpson were complaining too much as they built a fifth-wicket stand of 226 in 46 overs, beating the previous best against Middlesex set of 223 by Simpson and Cheteshwar Pujara when the teams drew at Lord’s earlier in the season.
Coles played aggressively, hitting six sixes and nine boundaries, clipping Hollman into the leg side to bring up his first hundred of the season. His unbeaten 132 came from just 150 balls while Simpson took his aggregate to 1197 runs at 74.81 with an undefeated 87.
It was fitting that Simpson, whose five centuries as well as his leadership has been so crucial to Sussex’s success, was there when the players shook hands at 4.20pm with Sussex on 459 for 4.
A few minutes later the celebrations could begin in earnest when the trophy was presented to him by another former Sussex captain Clare Connor, the managing director of England Womens Cricket.
Skipper John Simpson reacts to title victory
Sussex vs Middlesex: Day Three
Sussex vs Middlesex: Day Three Match Report
Sam Robson’s superb 113 off 103 balls spearheaded Middlesex’s sprint to 271 all out from just 44.3 overs at Hove, with Sussex replying on a more sedate 112 for two in a Vitality County Championship match that lost its first seven sessions to bad weather.
Tom Haines’ secure unbeaten 53 steered Sussex through 33 overs in the later stages of a day blessed at last by early autumn sunshine, leaving them with the prospect of clinching the Division Two title on the final day of the season.
Fast bowler Tom Helm dismissed both Oli Carter for 15, caught and bowled top-edging an attempted pull, and Tom Clark, who snicked behind on 14, but Tom Alsop (11 not out) stayed with Haines until stumps.
The game finally got under way at 12.40pm on day three, following two inspections and an early lunch, and Robson led from the front as Middlesex tried to make up for lost time in a valiant effort to reach a position from which to push for an unlikely victory.
Middlesex had started the day still with an outside chance of promotion, needing to win in this final championship round while also requiring second-placed Yorkshire to lose against Northamptonshire.
But Yorkshire’s three bowling and three batting bonus points at Headingley meant they go up alongside Division Two leaders Sussex – who now need just one batting point, or a draw in this game, to become second division champions.
Picking up three bowling bonus points, with young spinners Jack Carson and James Coles sharing seven wickets, left Sussex at stumps just 138 runs away from reaching 250 and that first batting point. Sussex have announced that all spectators will receive half-price entry on the final day, plus a voucher for a free drink.
Robson’s hundred, the 36th of the former England Test opener’s fine first-class career, was his fourth of an excellent season and a chanceless innings of controlled aggression. The 35-year-old reached three figures off 87 balls and hit 15 fours.
With Ryan Higgins including three legside sixes in a 28-ball 40, Middlesex were at one stage 181 for three. But Higgins then swept slow left-armer Coles high to deep square leg, in the 29th over, and Middlesex’s first innings fell away despite every batsman attempting to maintain the attacking intent.
Coles finished with four for 61 while off spinner Carson’s three for 46 took him to 50 championship wickets for the season, the first time a Sussex spinner has reached that landmark since Monty Panesar’s haul of 53 in 2012.
Opening bowlers Ollie Robinson and Jaydev Unadkat claimed Middlesex’s first three wickets, with Robinson removing Mark Stoneman for 13 – courtesy of a diving low catch to his right at fourth slip by Haines – in his new ball spell of 7-0-21-1.
Indian left-armer Unadkat then replaced Robinson for his second spell from the Cromwell Road End, almost immediately bowling Max Holden off stump for 24 and later having Leus du Plooy (6) held after a juggle at first slip by Alsop.
By then Robson had completed a 51-ball fifty by straight driving Unadkat for four and Higgins’ arrival sparked a rollicking fourth wicket partnership of 78 from just 8.3 overs.
Coles, though, followed up his dismissal of Higgins by having Josh de Caires (1) well-held by Carson at deep square leg, who in the previous over had bowled Jack Davies through an attempted big drive for four.
After tea, taken at 208 for six from 36 overs, Robson swept Carson to deep backward square leg before Toby Roland-Jones (8) mishit Coles to mid off, Helm (7) was caught off Carson and Luke Hollman’s bright 34-ball 39 was ended when he was bowled swinging at Coles.
Report Provided by ECB Reporter's Network
Reaction from Jack Carson at stumps on day three
Sussex vs Middlesex: Day Four Half Price and Free Drink Offer
Sussex vs Middlesex: Day Four Half Price and Free Drink Offer
Entry to the fourth and final day of the County Championship match between Sussex and Middlesex is half price and all spectators will be given a voucher for one free drink to celebrate promotion.
Half-Price Entry
All tickets to tomorrow's game are half-price. We will also operate a open ground policy, so spectators can sit wherever they wish, including in the Pavilion.
Free Drink Offer
Members and every person who purchases a ticket will also be given a voucher upon entry for one free drink. This offer is limited to house lagers, wines, soft drinks or tea and coffee.
Trophy Presentation
At the conclusion of the game, the Sussex players will be presented with a trophy for promotion, or for the Division Two title, should they claim the points needed! Come and celebrate an amazing season at Sussex, with half-price entry and a free drink!
How to Purchase Tickets
To get your tickets for tomorrow's celebrations either purchase them on the door or click here.
Sussex vs Middlesex: Day two abandoned
Sussex vs Middlesex: Day Two Start Delayed
Due to further heavy rain day two of the match between Sussex and Middlesex has been abandoned. We will provide updates in the morning on the status of day three.
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