The Ramadan Midnight League marked its fifth anniversary this year with more boys and young men than ever before taking part in the cricket festival.
The league offers 16- to 24-year-olds the chance to play competitive indoor cricket during the Muslim holy month from 10pm to midnight after breaking their fast.
It’s gone from strength to strength since launching in 2021 with more than 300 people taking part in the six-a-side tape ball competition.
Sessions have been held twice a week at Edgbaston’s Indoor School during Ramadan until Eid al-Fitr in what is a joint initiative between the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation and the Chance to Shine charity which aims to inspire youngsters through cricket.
Warwickshire Cricket Foundation Community programmes Manager Evie Harrison, said: “We aim to make cricket and Edgbaston accessible to everyone. The Midnight League offers competitive cricket, in a safe environment, designed around Iftar and last prayers.
“It’s been hugely popular. It’s an important outlet for cricket-mad youngsters who may otherwise struggle to play during Ramadan.
“Some of the coaching staff have been through the Chance to Shine programme themselves. That’s important for us as a Foundation to show there are many different jobs in cricket and to use the Midnight League to engage with young people and set them on course for positive futures.”
Chance to Shine coach Waqas Khan agrees, saying the league is more than just cricket.
“We’re tapping into their passion for cricket,” added Waqas, “and using it to keep them motivated, focused and away from the temptation to get into any trouble in our communities.
“We look to instil other qualities whilst here like teamwork and respect. Talking to these young people about who they are and what they represent, to be kind, to be genuine and helpful to one another.
“Cricket is in our blood. Young people from South Asian backgrounds who hero worship players like Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi. We use this as a platform for them to fall in love with the game, go on to play for teams and hard ball leagues.”
Six local teams battled it out during the month-long round robin competition.
One of the players, 17-year-old Farhan Hussain who plays for Pickwick CC in Moseley, said: “There’s a sense of community here. I can socialise with people of my age, while playing cricket which I love. It’s really enjoyable. We’ve got a good team, we’ve got to know each other, each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
“It can get very competitive, often there are very tight games. There are good players here, Warwickshire and Birmingham Premier players.
“We stay fasting all day at college, go home to eat and pray but there’s not much to do after that so the Midnight League is great.”
Click here to see what went down at this year’s league.