‘Sheikhy’ ready for step up as Second XI coach

Dyed in the wool Bear Mo Sheikh had two ambitions in cricket: to play for Warwickshire at Edgbaston and become an elite coach with his boyhood club.

His appointment as Second XI coach for the 2023 season means “Sheiky” – as he’s affectionately known around the ground – has achieved both sporting aspirations.

Birmingham-born Mo, who lives close to Edgbaston, enjoyed a playing debut to remember on 21 May 1997 when Middlesex arrived in the County Championship.

The 24-year-old (he came into professional cricket relatively late) lined-up alongside Club great Allan Donald as he took 3-24 including the scalp of South African Jacques Kallis.

“To be bowling alongside the likes of Allan Donald and be around some of the guys from the ’94 and ’95 title winning sides was very special and a great grounding for me,” said former right arm medium pacer Sheikh. 

“Warwickshire has always been my Club. I played for all the county age groups but back then the system finished at under-16s. I wasn’t playing with a league club, so not getting much cricket, but then made the Warwickshire under-19s squad after a trial.

“I signed up with West Bromwich Dartmouth and got a lot more game time, did some 12th man duties for the Seconds, and then got my break at a friendly against Shropshire when I took a few wickets and scored 45.

“Phil Neale (then Bears manager) was watching and approached me after the game to offer me a contract.”

Sheiky went on to play almost 100 times for Warwickshire across all formats, taking 118 wickets, before signing for Derbyshire in 2004.

He returned to Edgbaston in 2015 as part of the Performance Pathway coaching team where he supported the development of academy graduates including Henry and Ethan Brookes, Rob Yates, George Garrett and Dan Mousley. 

After two years as Head Coach with Walmley Cricket Club he returned in 2021 as Second XI Assistant and bowling coach before this season’s promotion. Sheiky replaces Ian Westwood, who was been promoted to Assistant Coach within the First Team set-up.

“I’m looking forward to the new role,” added the 49-year-old. “I’ll be overseeing those pro’s who are knocking on the door of the first 11, plus younger players breaking through from the Academy. I hope with my experience as a player and coach over the years I can help the guys in the side push for first XI slots.

“It’s been an amazing 18 months back at the Club following my stint at Walmley and I’ve enjoyed playing my part in a great coaching team. It’s a privilege to be part of the staff here at Edgbaston.”