Warwickshire have signed prolific batter Zen Malik on a two-year contract from the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA).
Malik has impressed in the Second XI County Championship this season, scoring 624 runs for Glamorgan at an average of 104, and is the competition’s second top run scorer.
His standout performance came against Warwickshire in May when the 26-year-old recorded back-to-back centuries (134 and 164) and caught the eye of Warwickshire Performance Director Gavin Larsen.
Malik has signed a two-year deal, starting in November, covering red and white ball cricket.
Larsen said: “Zen has shown himself as a very stylish, accomplished batter in recent seasons and is flourishing this year.
“He’s the best uncontracted player I’ve seen since my arrival at Edgbaston and he deserves his opportunity in professional cricket. He’s an exciting addition to our squad.
“With the facilities and coaching he’ll benefit from at Edgbaston I’m sure he’ll continue progressing.
“He’ll be in and around the squad for the remainder of the season, to help him get to know everyone, before joining up proper for pre-season training in November.”
Malik has been with SACA – which supports and develops South Asian cricketers – since its inception in 2022 and has captained the Academy on several occasions.
He’s also made 14 National Counties Championship appearances for Staffordshire CCC since 2018, averaging 49.75 and with a top score of 164.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be here and to have signed my first professional contract,” said Malik, who developed through the Worcestershire youth pathway,.
“I’ve worked hard over the last few years, knocking on the door of professional cricket, and for that to be rewarded at a Club like Warwickshire is incredible.
“What can members and fans expect from me? Hopefully some exciting top order batting in all three formats, and to add some more big scores to my tally and contribute to the team’s success.
“This has been a big year for me. I’ve found a new focus, gone about my game without listening to any external noise and there’s a freedom now in my batting. It’s helped me get some big scores on the board and I’m enjoying my cricket.
“I guess 26 is quite late to come into professional cricket. I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way. There are a lot of quality cricketers out there in minor counties cricket or club cricket. My message to them is to keep pursuing your dreams and never give up.
“I’ll be around the squad for the remainder of the season, meeting all the guys, absorbing as much as I can. I’ll work hard over the winter and try to cement myself in the first team next season, that’s the plan.”
SACA Managing Director and Co-Founder Tom Brown, said: “We’re thrilled to see all the hard work Zen has put in be rewarded.
“He was part of the original cohort at SACA – and scored a century in our first ever game to underline his promise – and his work ethic and commitment since day one have been exemplary.
“We have no doubt he’ll continue to succeed and grow as a Bear.”
And Staffordshire CCC chairman Phil Oliver added: “We wish Zen all the best. Our aim is to provide the opportunity for all players to progress and have the opportunity to be first-class cricketers.
“He fully deserves his chance. Zen appreciates what Staffordshire has done for him and we hope he has a great future.”
Over 13,500 tickets sold for T20 quarter-final
For a third year in a row, Bears have secured a home Vitality Blast quarter-final against Gloucestershire on Friday 6 September. And tickets are going fast!
Over 13,500 tickets have already been sold. Adults tickets are available for only £20, if purchased in advance, while U16s are £5.
