A PLAN to build a brand new £5m grassroots cricket ground near Kidderminster has been revealed. 

The proposed facility, which would be called the Moeen Ali International Cricket Centre, is a grassroots community project which aims to increase the accessibility of the sport in Worcestershire. 

Roger Newman, a former Cricket Manager at Oxford University and Academy Director at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, and Moeen's cousin Kabir Ali are behind the proposal. 

Moeen and Kabir Ali previously played for Worcestershire County Cricket Club. 

Mr Newman, aged 79, who played for Kidderminster Cricket Club in the late 1960s, said that unused land at Waresley Park at Hartlebury has been donated for the community project. 

Mr Newman said that he wants to open a state-of-the-art facility "that people in the area can be proud of," which will support youngsters from different backgrounds.

Plans for the not-for-profit project include building a ground, pavilion, and indoor cricket centre. 

 

Mr Newman said: "I have known the Ali family ever since Moeen and Kabir were quite young. We all get on well and I have helped them through their careers. 

"We are trying to improve people's lives through cricket using that centre as a headquarters". 

He said the former Worcestershire cricketers want to give something back to the community 

Mr Newman added: "So far the reaction has been very very positive".

"There will be a formal consultation before it goes to planning which will be in April". 

He said that the facility will be used for the local community, as well as for regional, national and international uses. 

Mr Newman is the CEO of M5 Sports Management Group, who is set to run the project, With Kabir's Inner City Champs Association, also involved. 

They are hoping to be able to open the planned centre by summer 2025.