Yadvinder Singh: Worcestershire sign second South Asian Cricket Academy player

Yadvinder Singh played second XI cricket for Warwickshire last season

Fast bowler Yadvinder Singh has joined Worcestershire, making him the second South Asian Cricket Academy player to sign a professional deal for the Pears.

The 28-year-old follows Kashif Ali, who became the first at the Birmingham-based academy to earn a contract with a first-class county in 2022.

Singh took 13 wickets in four second XI matches for Warwickshire last season.

"It's a dream come true. I'm really pleased that Worcestershire are showing this trust in me," said Singh.

The India-born pace bowler had also played second team cricket for Worcestershire, as well as four other counties.

"I've been trialling around for several years with different counties, playing seconds and club cricket in between going back home to India," he said.

"But I never gave up hope. Since I can remember, I always had a dream that I wanted to be a professional cricketer.

"There was no Plan B. I knew in myself that I could do this, that I could play and now I've got to try and make the most of this opportunity."

Singh took 39 wickets at an average of 16.10 for Moseley last season as they claimed the Birmingham League title.

"We are thrilled to have Yadvinder Singh join us." said Pears chief executive Ashley Giles. "His path to professional cricket is truly inspiring.

"Yadvinder's skills and unwavering dedication are in perfect alignment with our mission of embracing diverse talents. He is undoubtedly a valuable addition to our squad."

What is the South Asian Cricket Academy?

The SACA was only formed in January 2022 by ex-Birmingham League cricketer Tom Brown and former England paceman Kabir Ali, as a means to offer Asian cricketers an easier route into county cricket.

Within a week of its formation, two of its coaching team were offered jobs by first-class counties.

Kabir, cousin of Warwickshire and England all-rounder Moeen, became Yorkshire assistant coach, while former Bears captain and head coach Jim Troughton took a job on the Surrey staff alongside Alec Stewart and Gareth Batty.

Former Worcestershire spinner Shaftab Khalid, who had previously worked as an academy coach with Worcestershire, then joined the Warwickshire coaching staff.

In the same week that the Pears gave Kashif a more permanent deal in July 2022, Somerset signed Andy Umeed, while Glamorgan then signed ex-Worcestershire all-rounder Zain-ul-Hassan after the end of the 2022 season.