Cricket Point opens in Bolton Textile Mill, Farnworth

Cricket Point, an indoor cricket centre based at Bolton Textile Mill in Farnworth, is celebrating its first two weeks of opening.

The centre has four lanes of nets, with high-quality lighting and England Cricket Board approved cricket specific matting. It was set up by  Abdullah Ishaq and Suhail Baig, who hope it can boost participation of cricket in the town.

Mr Ishaq said: “I’ve been playing cricket in the Bolton League since I was 15 years old.

“When I was young I didn’t have many facilities I could use. I used to have to go Preston, Oldham, Ashton and even further.

“So I just wanted to have something in Bolton.

“There’s such a big amount of cricket played here. I’ve always had a passion to do something, so I decided to open my own.

“Our main aim is to get as many people as possible playing the sport. We’re mainly focusing on youngsters so we can help talented young players achieve their dreams by providing them the facility they need.

“But it is also for everyone not just those who play cricket, it can also be used as social activity to just keep fit and meet up with friends.”

A young player in action

Local clubs have already started taking advantage of the new facility, with clubs such as from as far as Clitheroe, Preston and Wigan already using the centre.

Mr Ishaq, from Great Lever, said: “It’s gone beyond my expectations to be honest. We’ve been pretty much fully booked out and continue to do so for the next few months.

Cricket Point is based at Bolton Textile Mill

“During the season I plan to use the coaches as much as I can to provide quality sessions. For example, if matches get rained off, I can use ex-pros that come here from abroad to deliver sessions so people can still play.”

Former Pakistan international Atiq-uz-Zaman is among the names Ishaq has revealed will be delivering coaching sessions.