The hunt for the next pop idol, soap actor, and super model have allappeared on TV recently and now Nottinghamshire’s Usman Afzaal is to launcha national search for a future professional cricketer

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club16-Sep-2002The hunt for the next pop idol, soap actor, and super model have allappeared on TV recently and now Nottinghamshire’s Usman Afzaal is to launcha national search for a future professional cricketer.Under a scheme organised by Afzaal¹s Cricketing Elite (ACE), the left-handeris to be joined by fellow international cricketers Graham Thorpe, MarkRamprakash, Andy Flintoff, Owais Shah and Chris Lewis to identify promisingplayers.It is also hoped, international commitments permitting, that the world¹sfastest bowler Shoaib Akhtar, will soon be confirmed among the elite band of”selectors”.Afzaal explained: “The players mentioned will all take part in a two-daycoaching clinic at Trent Bridge open to any youngsters aged 13 or above.”I suppose it¹s similar to the ‘Pop Idol’ idea but this time the cricketersof tomorrow will get a unique opportunity to be taught and chosen by theirheroes of today.”We are hoping for around 700 young players on the course over the weekendand from them, we will select a squad of 15 to take on an all-expenses-paidoverseas tour to further improve their game.”Afzaal added that on returning, the best of the bunch will also be referredto county clubs by their illustrious coaches with a view to obtaining trialsto become professional players.The clinics are to be filmed by Sony TV and will be held on Saturday October5 and Sunday October 6 with entry costing £149 per person.For further information and details of how to get a place on the coursecontact the ACE office on 0115 979 2512 or 0115 979 2514.PLEASE NOTE – This release was distributed on behalf of ACE by BowlesAssociates.All media enquiries should be directed to the ACE office on the number aboveor to Usman Afzaal on 07768 558122.