Talented young spin bowler Ayaan A has been selected for the Derbyshire County Cricket Club Under-16s squad for the 2026 season, marking a significant step in his development within the county performance pathway.
The 15-year-old, a Year 11 student at Bradford Grammar School (BGS) who will sit his GCSEs this year, secured his place following a highly competitive six-week trial process involving intensive fitness and cricket sessions.
Ayaan is a member of the school’s First XI and credits the coaching, competitive fixtures and team culture at BGS as central to his development as both a player and an individual.
“I felt really proud when I found out I’d been selected,” said Ayaan, from Bradford. “It made me feel appreciated for my abilities and gave me even more confidence.”
Alongside his school commitments, Ayaan plays club cricket for Saltaire Cricket Club, having progressed through the ranks since joining at Under-9 level. He has played senior cricket since 2024 and enjoyed an outstanding season, earning the club’s Young Player of the Season award and finishing as Saltaire’s leading wicket-taker with 58 wickets. He also played representative cricket for Bradford, receiving strong feedback for his leg-spin bowling.
Simon Hicks, Chairman of Saltaire Cricket Club, said: “Ayaan has made excellent progress this season through his commitment and work ethic, and his selection for the Derbyshire Under-16s squad is thoroughly deserved.”
Ayaan receives specialist coaching from Ajantha Weerapulli, a former Sri Lanka first-class spin bowler. He said: “Ayaan is a fantastic spin bowler who works extremely hard. The level of commitment required is significant, and he has the potential to continue developing into a fine cricketer.”
As the season approaches, Ayaan’s weekly training schedule will increase significantly, with club fixtures on Saturdays and county cricket on Sundays, alongside travel of up to 90 minutes each way. He will balance these commitments alongside GCSE preparation and school sport at BGS.
“Bradford Grammar School has been very supportive,” Ayaan added. “The cricket coaches really work with you and help you improve, and the structure and support here make it possible to manage both sport and studies.”
Dr Simon Hinchliffe, Headmaster at Bradford Grammar School, said: “Ayaan’s selection is the result of his talent, hard work and genuine passion for the sport. We place real importance on supporting students to pursue ambitious goals beyond the classroom while continuing to thrive academically, and we are incredibly proud of what he has achieved.”
Ayaan’s mother, Saima, said the family was “incredibly proud” of his achievement. She said: “It was an amazing feeling when he was selected – the hard work and commitment he has put in have really paid off.”
“Bradford Grammar School has been very supportive, the cricket coaches really work with you and help you improve, and the structure and support here make it possible to manage both sport and studies.”