ZEN Malik spent six seasons as a triallist knocking on county doors – hoping to realise his dream of playing professional cricket.
But he admitted that he never gave up.
And now he is determined to pay Warwickshire back for the faith the club have shown in him after signing his first pro deal aged 26.
Malik’s breakthrough came last summer when he amassed 624 runs for Glamorgan in the Second XI County Championship at an average of more than 100.
His standout performance came against the Bears in May when he recorded back-to-back centuries (134 and 164) and caught the eye of Warwickshire’s coaching staff.
Stoke-born Malik, who spent two seasons with the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) before joining Warwickshire, put pen to paper on a two-year deal.
Malik said: “I had to fight hard, it wasn’t easy after I got released by Worcestershire’s Academy.
“Trying to get back into the system, trialling wherever you can. I had to stay resilient and take whatever opportunity came my way, whether it was Second XI cricket or National Counties, playing extra games when I could.
“I did a lot of travelling: I could be called to a game in Somerset, then next day up in Durham. It’s part of a triallist’s life. You have to be prepared for the ups and downs.
“I always had that passion and drive to become a professional cricketer.
“But over time, when I felt I was doing well but things weren’t moving in the right direction, I’d be disappointed. There were times, even the season before Warwickshire signed me, I thought of moving on, going to university, entering another stage of my life.
“That following year I took the pressure off myself. I vowed to enjoy my cricket and not worry, and I ended up playing my best cricket. I just focused on being grateful for being out there on the pitch.
“Everyone’s journey is different. I got there aged 26.”
Malik, who also spent time playing for Staffordshire CCC, said there is a wealth of talent in the game beneath the professional circuit.
He added: “There are some very good players, lots of talent out there, players who’ve largely been hidden. Getting more exposure and an opportunity to show their talent is the challenge.
“That’s why organisations like SACA are doing a fantastic job. I spent about two-and-a-half seasons with them. They helped me develop my game, I trained here (Edgbaston) and they enabled us to train like pros and replicate what a pro schedule would be like. They gave us the best chance of getting contracts.
“Andy Umeed is another who was out of the game for several years before SACA helped him get a deal at Somerset in his mid-20s.
“I hope we’re acting as inspiration for any younger guys who are released by clubs. If you have the drive and willpower to want to make it, put the work in, then eventually you can be rewarded. Guys who are released from Academies aged 18 or 19, still have lots of time.”
Malik spent time in the Nepal Premier League during winter but is now back at Edgbaston working hard ahead of his first full season with the Bears.
“I’ve been honing my skills, to be as sharp and fit as possible,” added Malik.
“I want to make sure that I’m ready. Will Rhodes and Michael Burgess have moved on, obviously international talent like Tom Lathan is coming in, but you never know what might happen.
“Opportunities at clubs like Warwickshire don’t come around too often – and I want to make the most of it. Being in a professional environment has been great. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the squad, the gym work, netting and speaking to the sports psychologist.
“I need to make sure I’m ready for any opportunity that comes my way.”
