We are thrilled to announce that Zen Malik has become our 10th male graduate after signing a two-year contract with Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
Zen’s Journey with SACA
Zen Malik’s journey with SACA has been the epitomised the concept of the SACA scheme perfectly. The Staffordshire CCC and Leek CC top order-batter found himself lost to the game after being released from his summer contract by Worcestershire CCC in 2017. After several unsuccessful stints trialing at various county 2nd XI’s Zen joined SACA’s original cohort of players in the Summer of 2022 and instantly made his mark scoring 100 in our inaugural game vs Worcestershire 2nd XI. Since, he has played a key role in the side and scored 8 hundreds in county 2nd XI cricket. Yet it has been the 2024 season where things have really clicked for Zen averaging over 100 in the 2nd XI County Championship and made several impactful inning striking well over 150 in the T20 comp.
Life in the SACA House
In 2023, Zen spent the winter at the SACA house in Birmingham, a pivotal period in his development. Living with fellow graduates Arafat Bhuiyan (Kent) and Zaman Akhter (Gloucestershire), Zen was part of an immersive training environment designed to emulate the demands of professional cricket. The program included early morning fitness sessions starting at 7 AM, a rigorous full fitness and diet regimen, and intensive cricket training four times a week.
Zen thrived in this environment, honing his skills and building the physical and mental resilience needed for the professional game. The camaraderie and shared experiences with his peers played a crucial role in his growth as a player.
Zen reflects on his time in the SACA house, saying, "I loved being in the SACA house, the chance to train, develop and be supported like a professional was a great experience and greatly helped in my development."
Standout Performances on trial
Zen's journey to securing a contract with Warwickshire is marked by several standout performances. His innings of 134 and 164 in a single game against Warwickshire are particularly memorable, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and against strong opposition. Additionally, Zen scored two impressive 70+ runs in T20 matches against Warwickshire, one while playing for Glamorgan and the other for SACA.
Over the past three years, Zen has consistently demonstrated his batting prowess, scoring eight Second XI hundreds. These performances have cemented his reputation as a stylish and formidable batsman, capable of both anchoring an innings and taking the attack to the bowlers
Zen's journey wasn't without its challenges. He trialed with ten counties and had extended runs with four, gaining valuable experience and exposure to different playing conditions and team dynamics. This persistence and resilience ultimately paid off, culminating in his signing with Warwickshire.
"It’s been tough at times, every-time you play as a trialist you know it could be your last chance and after a while it can take it’s tole. But I’m proud that I’ve stuck at it and to be rewarded for my efforts by signing for a county like Warwickshire is incredible"
More talent at SACA
At SACA, we believe that there is a wealth of talent waiting to be discovered. Zen’s journey serves as an inspiration to all aspiring cricketers, demonstrating that with the right support, training, and platform, it is possible to achieve professional status. We are confident that many more players will follow in Zen’s footsteps, making their mark in the world of professional cricket.
"There are so many guys in a similar position to me, the talent at SACA is immense I know that there are loads more who have the potential to follow in my footsteps."
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate Zen’s achievement, we remain committed to our mission of nurturing cricketing talent and providing opportunities for players to excel. Our focus will continue to be on delivering high-quality training programs, fostering a supportive community, and most importantly providing the platform for talented players to achieve their dreams of becoming professional cricketers.
Zen’s journey is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, and the right support. We are incredibly proud of him and look forward to seeing him thrive at Warwickshire.
Congratulations, Zen! We are excited to see you take this next step in your career and wish you all the best for your future endeavors. You have made us all very proud, and we look forward to witnessing your continued success on the cricket field.
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