Fans of the Pakistan cricket team took the bragging rights on the eve of the Investec Test Series as a team of cricketers from the National Asian Cricket Council (NACC) defeated England’s Barmy Army in the first ever Edgbaston Fans Trophy.

Staged at Attock Cricket Club in Birmingham yesterday evening, the Edgbaston Fans Trophy brought together supporters of the England and Pakistan cricket teams for a T20 match, which the NACC won by 35 runs.

Gareth Roberts, Commercial Director of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: “With exactly three weeks to go until England and Pakistan contest the third Investec Test Match at Edgbaston, we wanted to bring together supporters to look ahead to a compelling series.

“We’ve been working with both sets of supporters for several years. We’re committed, at Edgbaston, to providing the best possible cricketing experience to all fans and tonight not only gave the fans a bigger profile, but united everyone through a match played in the true spirit of the cricket.”

England’s Barmy Army has played matches against Australia’s Fanatics for several years, but this was the first meeting against Pakistan fans. Paul Burnham, Barmy Army Founder and Managing Director, said: “It was a fantastic occasion for all of us to play in the Edgbaston Fans T20 and it presents an excellent starting point for a regular fixture with the NACC and fans of the touring nations.

“Our thanks go to Attock CC for hosting and to Edgbaston. We’re looking forward to returning to the Eric Hollies Stand and cheering on England at our biggest gathering of the season at the third Investec Test Match in early August.”

 We’re looking forward to returning to the Eric Hollies Stand and cheering on England

Paul Burnham

The National Asian Cricket Council was created by the Club Cricket Conference to ensure that British Asian cricket has effective representation within the recreational game. Gulfraz Riaz, Chairman, said: “Tonight’s game highlighted how cricket can bring together people of different backgrounds to play a competitive fixture that upholds the game’s traditions and sportsmanship.

“We’ve made some great friendships with Barmy Army members this evening and were thrilled to be involved in the Edgbaston Fans Trophy. With another great summer of cricket coming up next year, we’re keen to look at extending to an Edgbaston Fans Tournament ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.”

See England in action

England will take on Pakistan on Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7 August at Edgbaston and tickets are available for just £6 for Under 16s and from £31 for Adults.

Click here for tickets