Cricket Without Limits

Emdad Rahman

Inclusive sport took centre stage across two days as as community champion Sajid Patel joined a specialist blind cricket session at Leyton Cricket Hub.

Held weekly from 11am to 1pm, the sessions provide a welcoming and adaptive environment for participants who are registered blind or visually impaired. Led by experienced coach Kanan Thiyagarajah, the programme is delivered in partnership with Waltham Forest Blind Association, Essex Cricket in the Community, and Waltham Forest Sports & Leisure.

For Sajid Patel, the National Cricket League co founder and Social Prescribing Link Worker, the experience was eye opening. Despite over 28 years in cricket, he described the session as a completely new dimension of the game, shaped by innovation, patience, and powerful human connection.

A standout figure is local player Javed Patel, who continues to compete at county level despite sight loss. Once a teammate of Sajid’s, Javed is now a respected voice within the group and is working towards becoming a qualified coach. His vision helped spark the initiative alongside Waltham Forest Blind Association Chair Tariq Hussain, bringing inclusive cricket firmly into the local community.

Sajid is now keen to expand awareness through GP practices, encouraging referrals that support physical activity, routine, and social wellbeing for visually impaired residents – while also offering vital respite for carers.

Reflecting on the sessions, Sajid Patel said:
“This is cricket in its purest form – resilient, inclusive, and empowering. It’s about playing the game, and restoring confidence, building community, and showing that cricket truly is for everyone.”

With passion, partnership, and purpose driving it forward, this initiative is redefining access to sport – one session at a time.