Kennington, London — Cricket fans in Lambeth were treated to a memorable day as Rashid Khan, the world’s top-ranked ODI bowler and captain of Afghanistan’s national cricket team, launched the newly upgraded cricket facilities at Kennington Park, just minutes from The Oval.
The Oval Invincibles and global cricket star led a coaching session with 50 local young people, many of Afghan heritage, offering them a chance to meet one of the game’s most exciting talents. The event marked the official unveiling of the refurbished cricket nets and non-turf pitch, part of a wider regeneration project led by Lambeth Council in partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Surrey County Cricket Club.
New cricket facilities in Kennington to serve the next generation
Key improvements include:
A brand-new, high-standard non-turf pitch
Refurbished and expanded four-lane cricket nets — doubling previous capacity
Initial upgrades to the cricket outfield (currently suitable for softball only)
Further work is planned over winter to bring the outfield up to hardball standards in time for the 2026 cricket season, enhancing the park’s capability to host more competitive matches and training sessions.
More venues, more opportunity: Ruskin Park and Clapham Common next
The initiative also includes newly completed work at Ruskin Park, where two artificial cricket pitches have been installed. A third pitch is planned for Clapham Common, pending final planning approval. These locations will host grassroots cricket events and coaching sessions delivered in partnership with the Surrey Cricket Foundation.
Eventually, the goal is to form a new community cricket club with a special focus on women and girls’ cricket, helping to improve access and representation in the sport across Lambeth.
“It’s about more than cricket” — Lambeth Council’s vision
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, shared the broader vision behind the investment:
“This is about more than cricket; it’s about creating opportunities, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and making sure Lambeth’s young people have access to safe, inclusive places to play.”
“We’re really proud to be working with Surrey and the ECB to invest in parks like Kennington and open the game up to everyone, especially girls and underrepresented communities.”
The project aligns with Lambeth Council’s commitment to expanding sports participation, improving public spaces, and fostering community connections through local access to high-quality sports facilities.
This press release is from the Lambeth Council: love.lambeth.gov.uk
