Kabir Toor - awarded two-year contract by Middlesex CCC

The special contract will allow him to finish his A levels at the independent school in Harrow next summer and then become a full-time professional with Middlesex County Cricket Club the following season.

Kabir, 17, of Rickmansworth, said: “I always wanted to be a professional cricketer, but I decided to finish my A levels as I felt it was important to have something to fall back on.”

“The School have been very helpful in allowing me to develop my cricket. I generally play mid-week matches for the School, but they have always released me from weekend games to that I can play at a higher standard in the local league.”

Kabir’s Headmaster, Kevin Riley, said: “Kabir has worked very hard at his cricket and his success is well deserved. In recent years, we have invested heavily in sport at The John Lyon School both to ensure that we can achieve excellent standards in inter-school competitions and also to support boys who want to pursue their sport at a higher level outside school.”

Mr Riley has met John Emburey, Director of Cricket at Middlesex and a former England bowler, to discuss how the School and the county can work even more closely together.

Kabir’s talent was spotted when he was young and he was selected for the Middlesex U10 team. In recent years, he was competed for a number of England junior squads. He is an all-rounder, capable of opening the batting and taking wickets with his leg-spin.

After next summer, when he will complete his A levels in PE and Drama, Kabir will be looking for a winter contract with an Australian club.

o The John Lyon School is also celebrating the success of two pupils in football, its main winter sport. Lower Sixth-Former Louis Lavers has been awarded a two-year scholarship at Watford FC Academy, following a six-week trial period. “This is a fantastic achievement and we wish Louis the best of luck for what is a great step forward in his football career,” said Headmaster Kevin Riley.

Upper Sixth-Former and 1st XI team Captain Jack Abelson has been selected to represent the Independent Schools Football Association South (ISFA South) U18 team.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of The John Lyon School

MEDIA CONTACTS: Mr Kevin Riley at The John Lyon School on 020 8872 8434