Ex-England star Ajmal Shahzad was the guest speaker as the new Twenty20 Business club was launched at East Lancs CC.

The club based off Dukes Brow in Blackburn invited leading businesses to support their local community and hear about the visions and plans for the venue.

On the night 12 businesses and entrepreneurs stepped forward to become Gold Patrons. Opus Broadband who are official club sponsors and Platinum Patrons were presented with a special commemoration for their support of grassroots sport over the past year.

The club has recently been officially been acquired by the MEDT charity which took over the management of the site.

Guests were welcomed by club chairman Abid Ditta and speakers included cricket lead Paul Turner, bowling chairman Jim Swan and trustee of MEDT Khalid Saifullah MBE DL, who shared their vision for the club and community.

England Cricket International, Ajmal Shahzad spoke about how important it was for historic cricket clubs like East Lancs to gain the backing of the local community.

He revealed how his journey from playing local cricket led him to the international stag starring for England in two World Cup tournaments.

He also told the audience why younger people needed the support of businesses.

Shahzad said: “It is vitally important that we try to keep as many cricket club in the UK going as possible.

“The more participation there is, the more pathways there are for boys and girls to hopefully go on to represent in county and international cricket.”

Abid Ditta said: “It was fantastic to see so many business leaders and entrepreneurs come together to connect, collaborate, and champion grassroots sport in our community.

“A huge thank you to everyone who attended, and a special appreciation to those who pledged their support to our newly launched Patronage Scheme.

“We are proud to announce a Platinum Patron and 11 Gold Patrons, a significant step towards strengthening both the club and local business connections.”

Paul Turner who is chairman of the cricketing section shared an insightful history into the club noting that Blackburn Rovers had played at the site and the club had also hosted an England international in the 19th century.

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School which is located next to the club was unveiled as the first gold patron.

Director of Business and Finance, Paul Atkinson said: “We are honoured to be recognised by the Club as a key partner and patron.

“East Lancs Cricket Club and QEGS have been neighbours for over 140 years. During this time, we have been very happy neighbours. Over the years the Club have kindly allowed the school to use the sports facilities.

“With the future in mind, QEGS looks forward to working in partnership with the Club to secure funding to improve the cricket facilities at East Lancs for the benefit of the club, the school and our wider community.”

Opus Broadband said the company has been working with a number of charities, schools, community groups and social housing providers across Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington.

The company said it was committed to installing 20 per cent of its service for free as part of their ‘Internet for Everyone Campaign’.

A spokesperson for Opus Broadband said: “We are proud to be supporting local sport and helping to inspire the next generation of sports stars.

“It is wonderful to be backing a club with a long and proud history which is based in the heart of Blackburn. We very much hope through our support, the club can reach new heights.

“In addition to this we at Opus Broadband believe that everyone should have basic access to the internet, and our ’Internet for Everyone’ scheme was introduced to help bridge the digital divide across towns and cities in the North West.”