'An amazing moment': Blind cricketer selected by England for Ashes series

A cricketer has said he is 'proud' to be representing England after being selected to play in the Blind Ashes series in Australia.

Tokeer Akhtar, 37, headed off to Brisbane this week, where he will join his teammates for an eight-match tour, marking an incredible milestone in his cricketing journey.

Tokeer, who has many family and friends in Blackburn said, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I’m beyond excited to represent my country on such an incredible stage.”

Cricket has been Tokeer’s lifelong passion, one he first developed in his youth, joining his father at local games and eventually playing in amateur leagues across Bolton.

He began losing his sight in his mid-twenties due to the hereditary condition Retinitis Pigmentosa, and stepped away from the sport in 2014 as his vision deteriorated,

He found a renewed path to play the game he loves when he joined the Greater Manchester Falcons last season to play blind cricket.

Tokeer's selection for the national team followed a successful trial in Birmingham, a moment he described as “surreal,” especially as it coincided with the passing of his grandmother.

He said: “This chance to go to Australia is something I couldn’t have dreamed of a few years ago.

“I’m looking forward to bonding with the team, learning from each match, and making memories on and off the field.

"It’s an amazing feeling to know I’ll be part of something as big as the Blind Ashes.”

Tokeer said it was 'incredible' to be selected to play for EnglandTokeer hopes to inspire others who may feel limited by their circumstances.

“I just want people to see that anything is possible.

“This isn’t just about the cricket; it’s about showing others that you can keep going no matter what life throws at you.”

“I know it’s taken me time to reach this point, but I’m going to enjoy every moment of it.

“Better late than never, and I couldn’t be more ready.”